N3

meaning and readings

This page brings together the meaning, readings, radical or component hints, formula, and short story for one kanji so you can move straight into review.

Kanji

N3
Meaning
life, command
Onyomi
メイ、ミョウ
Kunyomi
いのち
Formula
命 = 亼 + 口 + 卩。

Story

命 is analyzed as a combination of 亼 (court where the trial is held), 口 (mouth), 卩 (person kneeling) and denotes life, command.

Continue with study

This kanji belongs to JLPT N3.

Recommended cumulative chapter: 1–150 cumulative review

More kanji in this level

Looking at other N3 kanji together makes it easier to group meanings and readings.