命|いのちinochi[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounlife; life forcesometimes written as 生命
   その犬いぬは少女しょうじょの命いのちを救すくった。↗

   The dog saved the girl's life.
2. nounlifetime; lifespan
3. nounmost important thing; foundation; core
4. nounpaired tattoos of the "life" kanji on the upper arms of a man and woman (indicating unwavering love)
5. nounfate; destiny; karma

• Synonym生命せいめいNeutralSino-Japanese word for life as a phenomenon, or a working life; leans written and scientific, as in 「生命保険」. 「命」 is more colloquial and carries emotion.
• SynonymライフNeutralLoanword for life or living; mostly appears in compounds, or in games as one's stamina/health points.
• Antonym死しNeutralDeath, the direct opposite of 「命」; 「命を落とす」 (to lose one's life) means to die.

Use 「命」 in everyday speech for one's life or the thing that matters most; for written, scientific contexts like insurance, 「生命」 fits better. The opposite of 「命」 is 「死」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. （いのち）生いきていること。生命せいめい。生涯しょうがい。寿命じゅみょう。
2. （いのち）物事ものごとの核心かくしん。重要じゅうようなもの。
3. （いのち）愛あいする人ひと。とても好すきなもの。