一生 yìshēng all one's life
all one's life; throughout one's life
How to remember 一生: 一 one + 生 life = all one's life.
Characters
How it is used
- 一生 (yìshēng) means 'one's whole life' as a noun, used to sum up an entire lifespan in a single sweeping statement: 他的一生很精彩 (tā de yìshēng hěn jīngcǎi) - his life was remarkable.
- It differs from 一辈子 (yíbèizi), which is the spoken, colloquial equivalent; 一生 sounds more literary and is common in writing, speeches, and biographies.
- Often paired with verbs of achievement or devotion: 一生奋斗 (yìshēng fèndòu, a lifetime of struggle), 一生难忘 (yìshēng nánwàng, unforgettable for life).
Example sentences
- 你想如何过完一生？ Nǐ xiǎng rúhé guò wán yīshēng?What do you want to do with your life?
- 你们两个误了我一生。 Nǐmen liǎnggè wù le wǒ yīshēng.The two of you have ruined my life.
- 那是我一生中最美好的时光之一。 Nà shì wǒ yīshēng zhōng zuì měihǎo de shíguāng zhīyī.That was one of the best times of my life.