命根子

mìnggēnzi

noun #22,074

Meanings

1 lifeline
2 the most precious thing
3 one's very life / that which one cannot live without

Characters

life / fate / destiny

root / foundation

diminutive suffix

Examples

这家店是他的命根子，绝对不能关门。

Zhè jiā diàn shì tā de mìnggēnzi, juéduì bù néng guānmén.

This shop is his lifeline — it absolutely cannot close.

孩子是父母的命根子。

Háizi shì fùmǔ de mìnggēnzi.

Children are a parent's most precious treasure.

Tips

usage

命根子 literally means 'the root of life'. It is used to describe something (or someone) so essential and dear that losing it would feel like losing one's very life. Often used affectionately for children or something one is completely dependent on.

Stroke Order

命 mìng

根 gēn

子 zǐ