Life in Japanese
"life" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
命
inochi
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "life". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
命 is life as the thing that can be lost, and also fate and a command. 生 is life as living, and also birth, raw, and student. 寿 is a long life and the celebration of it. 生 is the broadest and strangest character in Japanese, with more readings than any other.
Top pick
life, fate, destiny
Reading: mei
8 strokes · powerful, mysterious
Where it comes from
Composed of mouth and order. Commanding with mouth, fate.
What it carries
Life, destiny, mission. Represents value and purpose of living.
Related kanji for "life"
life
sei
Pictograph of grass sprouting from the ground.
life
ju · nature
Composed of warrior and measure. Warrior maintaining measure long.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for life?
The most common kanji for "life" is 命, read as mei. It means life, fate, destiny. Related kanji: 生 (life), 寿 (life).
How many strokes does 命 have?
命 has 8 strokes.