命

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 命, read いのち. This noun denotes life as the vital existence of a person or living thing.
• Basic usage: 命を救う describes saving a climber’s life from danger, while 命が宿る describes new life dwelling in a small seed.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A rescue undertaken despite danger
  • The rescue team faces danger in order to save a climber’s life. Example: 救助隊は危険を冒して登山者の命を救いました。 — The rescue team braved danger to save the climber's life.
• Life contained in a seed
  • Even a small seed is presented as containing new life. Example: 小さな種にも新しい命が宿っています。 — Even a small seed holds new life.