命运
mìngyùn
The English word "destiny" is translated into Chinese as 命运 (mìngyùn).
命运 refers to a predetermined condition, fate or the fixed order of things. It is a versatile term that can be applied to both positive and negative concepts, such as describing a "grand destiny" or a "tragic fate".
Meaning: predetermined condition, fate, fixed order of things (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The first character, 命, refers to one's life or life force.
Which one should you use?
While 命运 is a neutral to slightly heavy term for destiny or fate, the term 运气 refers specifically to luck or fortune.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the term 命運 is commonly used for destiny.
How do you pronounce it?
mìngyùn
Did you know?
- The character 命 is also used to describe the 'life' of a battery or a machine. When a device's 命 ends, it means the product has reached the end of its functional lifespan.
- While 命运 covers destiny, the word 缘分 describes a specific kind of fate that brings two people together. This 'predestined affinity' is often used to explain why people meet or fall in love.
- The character 命 is part of the word for 'command', which is 命令 (mìnglìng). This suggests that destiny is seen as a command or an order issued by the heavens.
Examples in context
- 你才是自己命运的主人。You are the master of your own destiny.This sentence shows how one can be the master of their own 命运.Tatoeba #1992648 by sadhen, translation #16186 by CC
- 对于那些彻夜关注美国大选的海外人士，从国会到皇宫，以及在被遗忘的角落里挤在收音机旁的人们，我们的经历虽然各有不同，但是我们的命运是一样的，新的美国领导层已产生了。And all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.This sentence illustrates the concept of a shared 命运 among different people.Tatoeba #347867 by zhouj1955, translation #347783 by Zifre
- 他们的命运紧密相连。Their destinies are closely interconnected.
- 我们无法改变天命。We cannot change our destiny.
- 命里有时终需有，命里无时莫强求。There are times when it's destined, there are times when it's not. Don't force it when it's not.
- 每个人都要面对自己的命运。měi gè rén dōu yào miàn duì zì jǐ de mìng yùn.Everyone has to face their own destiny.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their future over coffee.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你相信命运吗，志强？Nǐ xiāngxìn mìngyùn ma, Zhìqiáng?Do you believe in destiny, Zhiqiang?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我不信，我觉得一切在自己手中。Wǒ bù xìn, wǒ juéde yīqiè zài zìjǐ shǒuzhōng.I don't, I think everything is in our own hands.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen但有些事情真的像命中注定的命运。Dàn yǒuxiē shìqing zhēnde xiàng mìngzhòng zhùdìng de mìngyùn.But some things really seem like a predetermined destiny.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那可能只是巧合而已。Nà kěnéng zhǐshì qiǎohé éryǐ.That might just be a coincidence.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
