终身 zhōngshēn lifelong
lifelong; all one's life; marriage
How to remember 终身: 终 end + 身 body = lifelong.
Characters
How it is used
- Lifelong / for one's whole life - 终身学习 (zhōngshēn xuéxí) lifelong learning, 终身难忘 (zhōngshēn nánwàng) unforgettable for life.
- Emphasizes duration across one's entire life; also refers obliquely to marriage - 终身大事 (zhōngshēn dàshì) the great matter of one's life (i.e. marrying).
- Formal register.
Example sentences
- 汤姆终身未娶。 Tāngmǔ zhōngshēn wèiqǔ.Tom remained a bachelor until his death.