1.
lifesaver; one's savior; person to whom one owes one's life
A person who saved someone's life, either literally or figuratively. Can be used for someone who rescued another from mortal danger or who provided crucial help in a dire situation.
あの人は私の命の恩人だ。
That person saved my life.
溺れていたところを助けてくれた命の恩人に再会した。
I was reunited with the person who saved me when I was drowning.
先生は命の恩人だと思っている。あの時の助言がなければ今の私はいない。
I think of my teacher as my lifesaver. Without their advice at that time, I wouldn't be where I am today.
USAGE:
A set expression that can be used both literally (someone who physically saved a life) and figuratively (someone who provided crucial help when one was in serious trouble). The phrase carries a strong sense of gratitude and indebtedness.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 命の恩人に会う (to meet one's lifesaver)
- 命の恩人だと思う (to consider someone a lifesaver)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 恩人: benefactor — a person to whom one is indebted, not necessarily for one's life
- 救世主: savior, messiah — more dramatic, often used hyperbolically