Definition
偿命 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to pay with one's life' — used when someone is executed or killed in retribution for killing another person. The most common context is the saying 杀人偿命 ('a life for a life'). Because it's a 离合词, you can insert aspect markers or measure words between 偿 and 命, e.g. 偿了命 ('paid with one's life'). This is a strong, formal term associated with legal punishment and moral justice.
v.o.
to pay with one's lifea life for a life
Examples
- 偿命。Gǔdài fǎlǜ cháng guīdìng shārén bìxū cháng mìng.Ancient laws often stipulated that killing must be repaid with a life.
- ，。Tā yīnwèi shā le rén, zuìhòu cháng le mìng.Because he killed someone, he ended up paying with his life.
- “”偿命。Nà jù 'xuè zhài xuè cháng' de yìsi jiùshì yào rén cháng mìng.The saying 'blood debt must be repaid with blood' means a person must pay with their life.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.