Life is the fundamental state of existence that defines all living beings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the state of being alive.
- Often used to discuss the value or meaning of existence.
- Commonly paired with verbs like cherish or respect.
常见语境：在日常生活中，人们常说“生命在于运动”来强调健康；在文学或正式场合，人们会探讨“生命的意义”或“生命的脆弱”。它经常出现在关怀、医疗、教育以及哲学探讨的语境中。
- 1近义词辨析：“生命”与“生活”常被混淆。生命侧重于“存活”的状态（Biological existence），而生活侧重于“生存的方式或经历”（Daily living/Lifestyle）。例如，我们说“热爱生命”，是指珍惜活着的权利；说“热爱生活”，是指享受每一天的日常琐事。
Examples
我们要珍惜生命。
everydayWe must cherish life.
医生竭尽全力挽救病人的生命。
formalThe doctor did his best to save the patient's life.
他赋予了这些旧照片新的生命。
informalHe gave these old photos new life.
关于生命起源的研究从未停止。
academicResearch on the origin of life has never stopped.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
生命在于运动
Life lies in movement.
生命不息
Life never stops.
救命
Help!
Often Confused With
生活 refers to the act of living or daily life/lifestyle. 生命 refers to the biological state of being alive.
寿命 refers specifically to the length or duration of life. 生命 is the existence itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to formal. It is widely used in both daily conversation and serious literature. Avoid using it to describe inanimate objects unless speaking metaphorically.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use '生命' when they mean 'living' (the verb). Remember '生命' is a noun. Do not confuse it with '生活' which is more about daily activities.
Tips
Use with strong verbs
Pair '生命' with verbs like '珍惜' (cherish) or '尊重' (respect) to sound natural. It elevates the tone of your sentence immediately.
Do not confuse with lifestyle
Remember that '生命' is about the state of being alive, not your daily routine. Use '生活' if you want to talk about your daily habits.
Respect for life
In Chinese culture, emphasizing the value of '生命' is often linked to familial responsibility and social harmony.
Word Origin
The character '生' depicts a sprout growing from the earth. '命' originally meant a command or decree from heaven, implying life is a gift.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, life is often viewed as a cycle. Respecting life is a core ethical value taught from a young age.
Memory Tip
Think of the character '生' (birth) + '命' (fate/destiny). Your life is the fate you are born with.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“生命”指存活的状态和过程，是一个广义词。而“寿命”专指生命长短的期限，通常用于描述生物活了多久。
你可以说“我们要珍惜生命”，这是最常见的用法。也可以说“运动赋予了这棵树新的生命”，表示一种活力的注入。
在中文里，“生命”本身是一个抽象名词，不需要量词计数。如果指代具体的个体，通常会用“一个生命”来表达。
非常常用。它经常出现在公益广告、健康建议以及关于人生感悟的谈话中。
Test Yourself
我们要学会___生命，因为它是最宝贵的。
珍惜生命是标准的固定搭配，意为珍视生命。
“生命”主要指什么？
生命定义为生物体存活的过程。
意义 / 生命 / 的 / 是 / 什么 / ?
这是标准的疑问句结构，询问生命的价值。
Score: /3
Summary
Life is the fundamental state of existence that defines all living beings.
- Refers to the state of being alive.
- Often used to discuss the value or meaning of existence.
- Commonly paired with verbs like cherish or respect.
Use with strong verbs
Pair '生命' with verbs like '珍惜' (cherish) or '尊重' (respect) to sound natural. It elevates the tone of your sentence immediately.
Do not confuse with lifestyle
Remember that '生命' is about the state of being alive, not your daily routine. Use '生活' if you want to talk about your daily habits.
Respect for life
In Chinese culture, emphasizing the value of '生命' is often linked to familial responsibility and social harmony.
Examples
4 of 4我们要珍惜生命。
We must cherish life.
医生竭尽全力挽救病人的生命。
The doctor did his best to save the patient's life.
他赋予了这些旧照片新的生命。
He gave these old photos new life.
关于生命起源的研究从未停止。
Research on the origin of life has never stopped.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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吸收
A1To absorb; to take in.
海拔
B1The height of an object or place above sea level.
属性
B1A quality or feature that is typical of or belongs to something or someone.
生物
B1Any living thing, or the study of living organisms. Basic term for IELTS biology-related reading passages.
模糊
A1Blurry; vague; indistinct.
呼吸
A1To breathe; respiration.
燃烧
A1To burn; combustion.
计算
A1To calculate; to compute; to determine a value mathematically.
推算
B1To calculate, estimate, or figure out something using data, logic, or mathematical methods. It implies a process of reasoning from known facts to unknown values.
校准
B1To calibrate, adjust, or check for accuracy against a standard. It is used for instruments, data, or plans.
