Definition
This is a fixed four-character idiom that means 'for a whole lifetime' or 'for the rest of one's life'. It is more formal and poetic than everyday words like 一辈子 (yí bèizi) and often appears in romantic promises, solemn vows, or declarations of eternal commitment. The literal image is 'one life, one world', suggesting the entire span of a person's existence.
f.e.
for a whole lifetimethroughout one's lifeforever
Examples
- 一生一世。Wǒ yī shēng yī shì dōu huì ài nǐ.I will love you for my whole life.
- 一生一世。Zhè shì wǒ duì nǐ yī shēng yī shì de chéngnuò.This is my promise to you for a lifetime.
- 一生一世。Tāmen fāshì yī shēng yī shì bù fēnlí.They swore never to be apart for their whole lives.
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