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知命. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
知命, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
知命 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
知命 you have here. The definition of the word
知命 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
知命, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Chinese
Etymology
- "Age of fifty"
From the Analects:
子曰：「吾十有五而志於學，三十而立，四十而不惑，五十而知天命，六十而耳順，七十而從心所欲，不踰矩。」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
子曰：「吾十有五而志于学，三十而立，四十而不惑，五十而知天命，六十而耳顺，七十而从心所欲，不逾矩。」 [Classical Chinese, simp.]- From: The Analects of Confucius, c. 475 – 221 BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
- Zǐyuē: “Wú shí yǒu wǔ ér zhì yú xué, sānshí ér lì, sìshí ér bùhuò, wǔshí ér zhī tiānmìng, liùshí ér ěr shùn, qīshí ér cóngxīnsuǒyù, bù yújǔ.”
- The Master said, "At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning. At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right.
Pronunciation
Noun
知命
- (idiomatic) age of fifty
Derived terms
Verb
知命
- to understand the Decree of Heaven; to know destiny