一生 (yī shēng) — one's whole life; lifetime

Definition

一生 emphasizes the full span of a life, often with a reflective or summary tone. More literary than 一辈子 (plain spoken 'whole life'); broader than 生涯 ('career, one phase of life').

noun
one's whole lifelifetime

Examples

  • 一生
    Tā yī shēng dōu zài wèi jiā tíng nǔ lì gōng zuò.
    He has been working hard for his family all his life.
  • 一生
    Zhè shì tā yī shēng zhōng zuì kuài lè de yì tiān.
    This is the happiest day of her life.
  • 一生
    Nǐ yī shēng zuì xiǎng gǎn xiè de rén shì shuí?
    Who is the person you want to thank most in your life?

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