Japanese Symbol for
命inochi
life · existence · destiny
Readings
Meaning
Life, existence, destiny, command. 命 (inochi) is the deeply personal word for life — the life force within a living being. It also means "fate" or "decree" in formal usage.
Example words
生命
seimei
life, existence (biological)
人生
jinsei
life, one's life journey
生活
seikatsu
living, daily life, livelihood
命がけ
inochigake
risking one's life
生き甲斐
ikigai
reason for living, purpose in life
命脈
meimyaku
thread of life, lifeline
生き甲斐 (ikigai) — "reason for being" — has become an internationally known Japanese concept. It describes the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Finding your ikigai is considered key to a long, fulfilling life.
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