受命

受命 means 'to receive a mission' or 'to be entrusted with a task.' It is often used in formal or historical contexts to describe someone who has been given an important responsibility by a superior or authority figure.

The character 受 (shòu) means 'to receive,' and 命 (mìng) means 'life, command, or mission.' Together, they convey the idea of accepting a directive or duty, often implying a sense of obligation or significance.

受命 is commonly used in official, literary, or ceremonial language. It appears in historical texts and modern contexts involving leadership, governance, or military commands. Understanding this phrase can help learners grasp the nuances of authority and responsibility in Chinese culture.