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한국어
수명 — meaning in English: life span
sumyeong · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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lifetime
조사
josa
수명
sumyeong
방출
bangchul
레인
lein
상상력
sangsanglyeog
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use '수명' in discussions related to health, longevity, or environmental topics, such as when talking about the life span of a human, an animal, or even a product. For instance, during family gatherings, people might discuss the average '수명' of their grandparents compared to younger generations, highlighting differences in lifestyle and medical advancements.
Synonyms & nuances
'수명' is similar to '인생' (in-saeng), which means 'life' but focuses more on the quality and experiences of life rather than the duration. Choose '수명' when you specifically want to discuss the length of life, while '인생' is better for conversations about life experiences or philosophies.
Culture
'수명' is derived from the characters '수' (meaning 'life') and '명' (meaning 'destiny' or 'fate'). This reflects a cultural belief in the relationship between one’s life duration and their fate, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness in Korean society. Interestingly, the concept of '수명' also plays a significant role in traditional Korean medicine, where practitioners often assess a person's health in relation to their expected life span.
FAQ
