Ways to say it
| Cantonese |
|---|
| 生命 |
| 生活 |
The term is used to describe the state of being alive or the biological essence of existence. It can also refer to the abstract concept of life and death.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 生命 is composed of 生 (to be born/life) and 命 (fate/life/command).
Which one should you use?
Cantonese uses different words depending on the context of "life." Use 生命 when referring to the biological state of being alive or the abstract concept of life. Use 生活 when referring to daily life, routines or a person's lifestyle. Another related term is 人生, which refers to an individual's life course, experiences and achievements.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse 生命 and 生活. Remember to use 生命 for the biological or abstract concept of life and 生活 for the practical activities of daily living.
Did you know?
- The character 生 is so versatile that it can mean 'to give birth', 'raw' or 'uncooked', and 'student' depending on the context.
- In many Cantonese idioms, the 'life' or 'fate' implied by 命 can be something that is 'given' or 'commanded' by the heavens.
- To describe someone as 'full of life', Cantonese speakers often use a phrase referring to 'spirit' or 'energy' rather than the word 生命.
Examples in context
- 你仲喺度諗緊生命嘅意義呀？You are still asking yourself what the meaning of life is?This sentence uses 生命 to discuss the meaning of life.Tatoeba #1472294 by nickyeow, translation #2210 by Dejo
- 你好快就會適應呢種新生活㗎喇。You will soon adapt yourself to this new life.This sentence uses 生活 to describe adapting to a new way of living.Tatoeba #523646 by nickyeow, translation #52246 by CM
- 好多人嘅生命用三個字就概括到：食，痾，瞓。The meaning of life for most people fits into three letters: ESS – eat, shit, sleep.This sentence uses 生命 to characterize the essence of life for many people.Tatoeba #4973864 by nickyeow, translation #958875 by FeuDRenais2
- 我喜歡這裡的生活。I enjoy the lifestyle here.
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A biology student and a friend are talking about a documentary.
- 美玲 Mei Ling呢部紀錄片講緊海洋生命。ni1 bou6 gei3 luk6 pin2 gong2 gan2 hoi1 joeng5 sang1 ming6.This documentary is talking about marine life.
- 子健 Tsz Kin佢哋啲生命真係好奇妙。keoi5 dei6 di1 sang1 ming6 zan1 hai6 hou2 kei4 miu6.Their lives are truly wonderful.
- 美玲 Mei Ling係呀，每一種生命都好重要。hai6 aa3, mui5 jat1 zung2 sang1 ming6 dou1 hou2 zung6 jiu3.Yes, every form of life is very important.
- 子健 Tsz Kin我完全同意你嘅睇法。ngo5 jyun4 cyun4 tung4 ji6 nei5 ge3 tai2 faat3.I completely agree with your view.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “life” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
