Definition
As a verb, 命 (mìng) means 'to order, to command' — it's a formal, authoritative act, like giving a decree or a direct order. This is distinct from the noun 命 (life/fate) and from 掌握 (zhǎng wò, to control/grasp), which focuses on skill or seizing an opportunity rather than issuing a command.
verb
lifefatedestiny
Easily confused
- 名míngsound-alikename
- 鸣míngsound-aliketo chirp, to cry (of birds, animals, insects); to make a sound (of a horn, bell, etc.)
Examples
- 命，。Hěnduō rén bù xiāngxìn mìng, zhǐ xiāngxìn zìjǐ de nǔlì.Many people don't believe in fate; they only believe in their own effort.
- 命，。Tā de mìng fēicháng kǎnkě, dàn tā cóng bú fàngqì.His life has been very rough, but he never gives up.
- 命。Yì chǎng jíbìng chàdiǎn yào le tā de mìng.A sudden illness almost cost him his life.
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