一生

• Pinyin: yī shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = 'one/entire'; 生 = pictograph of a plant sprouting, meaning 'life/birth/grow'

Meaning

Lifetime; one's whole life. The entire span of a person's life from birth to death.

A slightly literary or formal word for 'whole life.' Used to talk about lifelong experiences, achievements, or devotion. Similar to 一辈子 which is more colloquial. Often appears in emotional or reflective contexts.

Examples

1. 他一生都在教书。 He spent his whole life teaching.
2. 奶奶一生没有离开过这个小镇。 Grandma never left this small town in her entire life.
3. 这是我一生中最开心的一天。 This is the happiest day of my life.

Usage Guide

Context: reflective, literary, conversation

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 她一生热爱音乐。(She loved music her whole life.)
• 这本书讲了他的一生。(This book tells the story of his life.)

Don't Say

• 我一生要去超市。(Don't use 一生 for everyday plans — it means 'entire lifetime,' not 'today.' Use 今天 for daily activities.)

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (one/entire) and 生 (life/birth), literally 'one life' — the entirety of one's lifespan.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal