命

mìng
#258 most
frequent character
to assign a name, to command
verb

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

命 uses 令 lìng, 'to give orders,' which also supplies the sound. 口 was added only to mark it apart from 令. The first sense, 'to give orders,' grew to 'order,' 'assign,' 'fate,' and 'life.'

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Example Sentences

他命令士兵们进攻。
tā mìnglìng shìbīng mén jìngōng 。
He commanded the soldiers to attack.
老师命名这个项目。
lǎoshī mìngmíng zhègè xiàngmù 。
The teacher assigned a name to this project.
他们互相命名新的游戏。
tāmen hùxiāng mìngmíng xīnde yóuxì 。
They named each other the new game.

Words with similar meanings

指挥zhǐhuī
to command
More formal, often used in military contexts.
命令mìnglìng
to order
Similar in meaning, specifically refers to giving commands.
指定zhǐdìng
to designate
Focuses more on assigning a specific name or role.

Words Starting With 命

命令mìng lìng
"order; command
命运mìng yùn
fate; destiny
命名mìng míng
to give a name to; to dub; to christen; to designate; named after; naming

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