寿命
じゅみょう · jumyou · JLPT N2 · noun
span
⏳ 寿 = long-lived + 命 = life/fate; jumyou sounds like 'jewel-moo-you'? Use: life span = 寿 long + 命 life
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.