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saengmyeong

Saengmyeong (생명) is a Korean term meaning life. In science, it denotes the condition that distinguishes living organisms from inanimate matter and encompasses life processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. In everyday use, it often refers to the vitality or sanctity of living beings and is frequently encountered in discussions of health, medicine, and ethics.

The word is formed from Sino-Korean morphemes 生 (life, birth) and 命 (fate, life). It is more formal

In biology and the life sciences, 생명 is used alongside 생물 (organism) and 생물학 (biology). Terms such as 생명공학 (biotechnology),

Cultural and philosophical discussions emphasize the intrinsic value of life, influencing public policy, medical practice, and

and
scientific
than
삶
(daily
life)
and
생존
(survival).
생명과학
(life
sciences),
생명윤리
(bioethics),
and
생명권
(right
to
life)
appear
in
academic
and
policy
contexts,
addressing
medical
intervention,
cloning,
organ
donation,
and
end-of-life
decisions.
education.
In
Korea,
debates
over
euthanasia,
abortion,
animal
welfare,
and
environmental
stewardship
frequently
invoke
the
concept
of
saengmyeong.