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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to save a life" with 救命 (jiùmìng)

    Actions & Events
    Wishes & Desires

    Structure

    救命 / 救 + 命

    Explanation

    救命 (jiùmìng) means "to save a life" or, when used as an exclamation, "Help!" It combines 救 (to save) with 命 (life). It can be used literally to describe a life-saving action or figuratively and humorously to describe something that provides great relief.

    Examples

    • 医生说那个药救了他的命。

      Yīshēng shuō nàge yào jiù le tā de mìng.

      The doctor said that medicine saved his life.

    • 救命！有人掉进河里了！

      Jiùmìng! Yǒu rén diào jìn hé lǐ le!

      Help! Someone fell into the river!

    • 大热天来一杯冰水，简直是救命啊。

      Dà rè tiān lái yī bēi bīng shuǐ, jiǎnzhí shì jiùmìng a.

      A glass of ice water on a scorching day is an absolute lifesaver.

    Expressing "to save a life" with 救命 (jiùmìng) | Chinese Grammar