寿命
shòumìng · HSK 7
life
⏳ 寿 longevity + 命 life/fate = the lifespan you're allotted
寿 means long life or longevity (think birthday-longevity wishes), and 命 means life or fate. Together 寿命 is the length of a life — a lifespan. The shòu sound also opens 寿司 (sushi), an unrelated but handy anchor for the syllable.
命 — 亼 (gather) + 卩 (kneeling person) + 口 (mouth)
Originally depicted a kneeling figure receiving an oral command from above, combining 令 (order) with an added 口 (mouth) for emphasis. The image of authority issuing decrees extended from 'command' to 'mandate' and then 'destiny, life,' as one's fate was seen as decreed by Heaven.