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命

命 — fate, command, decree

Learn the correct stroke order for 命 (fate), a 8-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 38 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 8
On'yomi (音読み)メイmei、ミョウmyou
Kun'yomi (訓読み)いのちinochi
Strokes8
Radical口
Frequency#465
Meaningsfate, command, decree, destiny, life, appoint

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 8 — start from the green dot

Common Words

運命うんめいfate; destiny; lotnoun
延命えんめいkeeping alive longer; prolonging life; life extensionnoun
革命かくめいrevolutionnoun
救命きゅうめいlifesavingnoun
懸命けんめいeager; earnest; strenuousna-adjective
使命しめいmission; errandnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 命 (fate) is taught in grade 3 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 8 strokes with radical 口.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 命 is #465, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

運命うんめい — fate; destiny; lot
延命えんめい — keeping alive longer; prolonging life; life extension
革命かくめい — revolution

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (口)

口mouth台pedestal可can古old史history号nickname右right司director

Same reading

迷astray鳴chirp

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 命 have?

The kanji 命 (fate) has 8 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 命?

命 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 命 mean?

命 means: fate, command, decree, destiny, life, appoint. On'yomi readings: メイ, ミョウ. Kun'yomi readings: いのち.

What JLPT level is 命?

命 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.