Translation and Meaning of: 宿命 - shukumei

If you have ever wondered about the meaning of the Japanese word 宿命[しゅくめい], this article will explore its definition, origin, and use in everyday Japan. In addition to understanding its translation, we will dive into how this term is culturally perceived, its frequency in conversations, and even tips for memorizing it correctly. Whether you are a Japanese student or just a curious individual, discover why this word carries such significant weight.

The meaning and origin of 宿命

The word 宿命[しゅくめい] is often translated as "destiny" or "fate," but its meaning goes deeper. It carries a connotation of something inevitable, a path that has already been laid out and cannot be changed. Unlike words like 運命[うんめい], which also means "destiny," 宿命 emphasizes a more predetermined aspect, almost like a sentence.

Its origin comes from the combination of the kanjis 宿 (accommodation, permanence) and 命 (life, destiny). Together, they suggest a fixed fate, something that is "housed" in someone's life. This idea has roots in both Buddhism and Shintoism, where the concepts of karma and predestination play important roles.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 宿命 is not a word used casually in everyday life. It appears more in literary, dramatic, or philosophical contexts, such as in animes, dramas, and books that explore themes of fate. For example, in narratives where characters face an inescapable future, this word is often used to convey a sense of inevitability.

Culturally, it reflects a more traditional and less optimistic view than 運命, which can have a more neutral or even positive tone. While 運命 can be associated with opportunities or changes, 宿命 carries a darker weight, almost as if destiny is a burden to be borne.

How to memorize and use 宿命 correctly

To memorize 宿命, a useful tip is to associate the kanji 宿 with something fixed, like a house, and 命 with the course of life. Together, they form the idea of a "lodged" destiny in your existence. This mental image can help differentiate it from other similar terms, such as 運命 or 未来[みらい] (future).

When using the word, remember that it is more suitable for dramatic or reflective situations. Phrases like "これは私の宿命だ" (This is my destiny) sound natural in serious contexts, but would be exaggerated in everyday conversations. If you are learning Japanese, try writing down examples from animes or books to better understand its real use.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 運命 (unmei) - Destiny, luck
• 天命 (tenmei) - Divine destiny, heavenly mandate
• 定められた運命 (sadamerareta unmei) - Predetermined destination
• 運命づけられたもの (unmeidukerareta mono) - Something that is destined
• 縁起 (engi) - Good omen, luck
• 縁 (en) - Connection, bond, relationship
• ご縁 (goen) - Spiritual connection or meaningful relationship
• 神縁 (shinen) - Divine relationship, connection with the sacred
• 相縁 (ai-en) - Mutual link or interrelated
• 縁結び (enmusubi) - Ceremony to establish a relationship or connection
• 縁談 (endan) - Discussion about marriage or relationship
• 縁起物 (engimono) - Good luck objects or symbols of luck
• 縁起物語 (engimonogatari) - Stories about lucky objects
• 縁起物帳 (engimonochō) - Registration of lucky objects
• 縁起物語帳 (engimonogatari chō) - Record of stories about lucky objects
• 縁起物語集 (engimonogatari shū) - Collection of stories about lucky objects
• 縁起物語全集 (engimonogatari zenshū) - Complete works of stories about lucky objects
• 縁起物語大系 (engimonogatari taikei) - Comprehensive system of stories about lucky objects
• 縁起物語選 (engimonogatari sen) - Selection of stories about lucky objects
• 縁起物語解題 (engimonogatari kaidai) - Comments on stories about lucky objects
• 縁起物語研究 (engimonogatari kenkyū) - Research on stories of good luck charms
• 縁起物語研究叢書 (engimonogatari kenkyū sōsho) - Collection of studies on stories of lucky objects

宿命

Romaji: shukumei
Kana: しゅくめい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: destiny; predetermination

Meaning in English: fate;destiny;predestination

Definition: The path of destiny and fate. The belief that someone's future accomplishment is pre-ordained.

Example Sentences - (宿命) shukumei

See below some example sentences:

宿命に従って進む。

Shukumei ni shitagatte susumu

Move forward according to destiny.

Proceed according to destination.

• 宿命 - destiny, fate
• に - particle that indicates destination or direction
• 従って - following, according to
• 進む - move forward, proceed