noun

  1. life, life force. Sometimes written as 生命.
  2. lifetime, lifespan.
  3. most important thing, foundation, core.
  4. paired tattoos of the "life" kanji on the upper arms of a man and woman (indicating unwavering love). Archaism.
  5. fate, destiny, karma. Archaism.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
いのち

Contained Kanji Breakdown

fate, command, decree
メイ いのち ミョウ (3rd, N3)
to assemble. to gather together
シュウ あつまる
person
ひと ニン ジン (1st, N5)
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
strike, beat, kow tow
たた.く はた.く コウ (Kentei Pre-1)
mouth
くち コウ ク (1st, N4)
seal radical (no. 26)
セツ わりふ (Kentei 1)