使命 (Mission, Duty, Vocation) – Japanese Kanji Design

Life & Destiny

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The Kanji compound ‘Shimei’ embodies the profound concept of one’s mission or calling in life, reflecting a deep sense of purpose and duty. It represents the inherent drive to fulfill a significant role or a specific task, often implying a destiny to be embraced.

Japanese Kanji

使命
Romaji Reading Shimei
Core Meaning Mission, Duty, Vocation, Calling
Nuance Purpose, Imperative, Destiny
Design Guide

The atmosphere of a Kanji character changes dramatically depending on the font style. A character that looks elegant in a brush style might look bold and modern in a different font.

Recommendation:
Since a tattoo is permanent, we strongly recommend comparing various font styles beyond what is shown here. Use our designs as a trusted reference for the correct structure, but feel free to explore different artistic variations to find the perfect match for your vision.

The Deep Meaning Behind 使命

The term ‘Shimei’ (使命) combines two powerful Kanji to convey the idea of a mission or a calling. It refers to a specific duty or responsibility that one is entrusted with, often implying a deeper, pre-ordained purpose in life. This concept resonates strongly within Japanese culture, where personal roles and societal contributions are highly valued.

This Kanji compound transcends a simple job; it speaks to an individual’s raison d’être, a fundamental reason for existence that guides their actions and decisions. It is not merely an obligation, but a profound commitment to one’s path, reflecting inner resolve and dedication.

Kanji Breakdown

The profound meaning of ‘Shimei’ is unveiled through an examination of its constituent Kanji characters:

使

Meaning: To use, to send, messenger.
This character is composed of `人` (hito, person) and `吏` (ri, official/administrator, suggesting ‘to manage’ or ‘to command’). Together, it signifies the act of sending a person or utilizing someone for a task, acting as a messenger or an envoy.

Meaning: Command, order, life, destiny.
The ancient form of this character depicts a person kneeling to receive an oracle or command (𠚦), with `口` (kuchi, mouth) representing the spoken word or divine decree. It evolved to signify a mandate, one’s allotted life, or fate, and by extension, a command or instruction given.

Conclusion

‘Shimei’ encapsulates the very essence of purpose and destiny, representing the unique mission each individual is compelled to fulfill. It speaks to a deeply personal and often profound sense of duty, guiding one’s path through life with conviction and resolve.

For those seeking a Kanji tattoo that symbolizes their life’s calling, an unwavering purpose, or a commitment to a significant role, ‘Shimei’ offers a powerful and aesthetically balanced choice. Its characters are clear and impactful, conveying a message of profound personal significance.

⚠️ Important: Before You Get Inked

The Kanji designs and meanings on this site are for inspiration purposes. While we strive for accuracy, Japanese characters can have multiple nuances depending on the context.

Tattoos are permanent. We strongly recommend consulting with a native Japanese speaker or a professional tattoo artist to verify the design and meaning before getting a tattoo.

Life & Destiny

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