Life, an Order, or a Target

by Nao

inochi, mei, myō, mei-jiru, mei-zu

Life

The noun “inochi” meaning life is different from “jinsei.” Inochi is the life of every living creature. Living creatures are, therefore, expressed as “inochi aru mono,” which literally means things having life.

Both “inochi” and “seimei” mean the same. The difference of the sounds gives us different impressions. The former sounds softer; the latter fits formal sentences.

Order

The noun “mei” means an order. When you are given it, you must follow it. It becomes a verb when it accompanies “-jiru” or “-zu” in hiragana. Both mean “to order.” “Meizu” sounds more classical than “meijiru.”

Target

In some compounds, mei means a target. For example, honmei is a probable winner; meichū, hitting a target.

1. Draw the sweeping stroke from the top to the lower left.
2. Draw the sweeping stroke from the top to the lower right.
3. Draw the horizontal stroke.
4. Draw the left side of the rectangle.
5. Draw the upper and right sides of the rectangle.
6. Draw the lower side of the rectangle.
7. Draw the hook with a leftward turn.
8. Draw the vertical stroke.