救命！
jiùmìng!
Help
救命！ (jiùmìng) is an urgent cry for help, literally meaning "save life." It is used exclusively in real emergency situations when someone's life is in danger or they are in serious trouble.
What does 救命！ (jiùmìng!) mean?
救命！ (jiùmìng!) means “help” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “save life.”
When to use it
Highly urgent and informal. This is a direct plea for immediate assistance in a life-threatening or dangerous situation. Do not use it for minor inconveniences.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “jyoh-MING.” The first syllable has a falling tone, and the second has a rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 帮我！bāng wǒ!Help me! (general request)
- 请帮忙！qǐng bāngmáng!Please help! (polite request)
- 有人吗？yǒu rén ma?Is anyone there?
Examples
救命！我掉进水里了！
jiùmìng! wǒ diào jìn shuǐ lǐ le!
Help! I fell into the water!
快来人啊，救命！
kuài lái rén a, jiùmìng!
Quick, someone come, help!
他受伤了，我们需要帮助！
tā shòushāng le, wǒmen xūyào bāngzhù!
He's injured, we need help!
Pro tip: 救命 is a very strong and serious plea. Only use it in genuine emergencies where you need immediate intervention, not for everyday requests for assistance.
Related phrases
快报警 · Call the police我的钱包丢了 · I lost my wallet我的护照丢了 · I lost my passport
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