Definition
命根 literally means 'life root' and is a metaphor for something or someone as essential to a person as their own life. You can use it for an object you cannot live without (e.g., a hobby, a possession) or for a deeply loved person (typically a child). It is stronger and more dramatic than just saying 'important'.
n.
something absolutely essential to one's life or happinesslifeblooda beloved persondarling
Examples
- 命根，。Zhè tái diànnǎo shì tā de mìng gēn, méiyǒu tā jiù bù néng gōngzuò.This computer is his lifeblood; without it he can't work.
- 命根，。Nǚ'ér shì tā de mìng gēn, tā shénme dōu yuànyì wèi nǚ'ér zuò.Her daughter is her darling; she would do anything for her daughter.
- 命根，。Zhè běn shū shì tā de mìng gēn, dào nǎlǐ dōu dài zhe.This book is his lifeblood; he takes it everywhere.
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