一生 — meaning in English: lifetime

isshō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for lifetime

チェック

chekku

問題

mondai

回路

kairo

一生

isshō

スケジュール

sukejūru

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 一生 (isshō) when discussing life decisions, such as career choices or relationships. For instance, someone might say, 'この仕事は私の一生の仕事です' (This job is my lifetime job) during a serious conversation about their future.

Synonyms & nuances

While 一生 (isshō) translates to 'lifetime,' another similar term is 生涯 (shōgai), which also means 'lifetime' but carries a more formal tone. One might prefer 一生 in casual conversations about personal experiences, while 生涯 could be used in more formal settings, such as academic discussions.

Culture

The word 一生 (isshō) is composed of two kanji characters: 一, meaning 'one,' and 生, meaning 'life' or 'birth.' This reflects the Japanese cultural perspective that life is a singular journey filled with unique experiences. Interestingly, 一生 is also connected to concepts like 一期一会 (ichigo ichie), meaning 'one time, one meeting,' emphasizing the importance of each moment in one's lifetime.

FAQ

Q.What does 一生 mean in English?

一生 (isshō) translates to 'lifetime' in English. It refers to the duration of a person's life and is often used to express long-term commitments or experiences.

Q.How do you use 一生 in a sentence?

You can use 一生 in sentences like '彼女は一生友達でいたいと言った' (She said she wants to be friends for a lifetime). This shows a commitment to a long-lasting relationship.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 一生?

A common mistake is confused usage with shorter timeframes. Remember that 一生 emphasizes the entirety of one's life, so it should be used in contexts that reflect long-lasting sentiments or commitments, rather than temporary situations.

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