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March 24, 2026
性命xìngmìng(xing4ming4)
The term '性命' (xìngmìng) refers to life in a profound sense, encompassing both the biological aspect of existence and the essence or vitality of a person's life. It is commonly used in discussions about the value of life, human existence, and can also imply the importance of one's fate or destiny.
Strokes16Frequency#3449DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, '性命' often reflects Confucian values regarding the sanctity of life and the importance of living a meaningful existence. This term may appear in discussions about moral responsibilities or in literature that explores the human condition.
Memory Tip
Think of '性' (xìng) as representing one's nature or essential qualities, and '命' (mìng) as the fate or order of life. Imagine a life where one's nature is deeply intertwined with their fate, creating a vivid image of the interconnectedness of existence and essence.
Meanings of 性命
xìngmìng(xing4ming4)
1life
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 性命
性命Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3449Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 性命
Podcast: 性命
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AI Study Notes for 性命
Quick Contrast
生命 (shēngmìng) refers specifically to biological life or existence, while 性命 (xìngmìng) encompasses a deeper philosophical and existential significance.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse '性命' with simpler terms for life, such as '生活' (shēnghuó), which refers to daily living. '性命' is more formal and is often used in literary or philosophical contexts. Be mindful of the tone; '性命' requires a fourth tone for both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '性命' connects with other advanced vocabulary about life and existence. Students should focus on understanding its usage in philosophical discussions and literature, as well as how it relates to personal and societal values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '性命' with '生命' (shēngmìng), leading to inappropriate usage. For example, saying '我珍惜我的生命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de shēngmìng) is correct, but '我珍惜我的性命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de xìngmìng) feels overly dramatic and formal in everyday conversation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 性命
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Learning Lab
Knowing 性命 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The term '性命' (xìngmìng) refers to life in a profound sense, encompassing both the biological aspect of existence and the essence or vitality of a person's life. It is commonly used in discussions about the value of life, human existence, and can also imply the importance of one's fate or destiny.
When to use 性命
A common mistake is to confuse '性命' with simpler terms for life, such as '生活' (shēnghuó), which refers to daily living. '性命' is more formal and is often used in literary or philosophical contexts. Be mindful of the tone; '性命' requires a fourth tone for both characters.
性命 or something close to it
生命 (shēngmìng) refers specifically to biological life or existence, while 性命 (xìngmìng) encompasses a deeper philosophical and existential significance.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '性命' with '生命' (shēngmìng), leading to inappropriate usage. For example, saying '我珍惜我的生命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de shēngmìng) is correct, but '我珍惜我的性命' (Wǒ zhēnxī wǒ de xìngmìng) feels overly dramatic and formal in everyday conversation.
Write 性命
性
命
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Grammar Patterns of 性命
性命 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我们已经失去了一切，不过谢天谢地，总算是保住了____。
We have lost everything, but thank God, our lives have been spared.
