终身

• Pinyin: zhōng shēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 终 = entire/end; 身 = body/life/self

Meaning

Lifelong; lifetime; for life. Throughout one's entire life.

Used for commitments or conditions lasting a lifetime. Common phrases: 终身学习 (lifelong learning), 终身伴侣 (life partner), 终身制 (life tenure). More formal than 一辈子.

Examples

1. 终身学习是现代人必备的能力。 Lifelong learning is an essential ability for modern people.
2. 他们承诺终身相守。 They promised to stay together for life.
3. 这个错误将成为他终身的遗憾。 This mistake will become a lifelong regret for him.

Usage Guide

Context: education, commitment, life planning

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这是终身大事。(This is a major life decision.)
• 终身保修。(Lifetime warranty.)

Don't Say

• 终身的一生 (Redundant — 终身 already means entire life)

Origin & History

Compound of 终 (end, entire) and 身 (body, life). Throughout one's body/life.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal