一生

• 拼音: yī shēng
• 汉字拆解: 一 = 'one/entire'; 生 = pictograph of a plant sprouting, meaning 'life/birth/grow'

含义

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.

例句

1. 他一生都在教书。
2. 奶奶一生没有离开过这个小镇。
3. 这是我一生中最开心的一天。

用法指南

语境: reflective, literary, conversation

语气: reflective

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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.)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal