Word Detail

The Japanese word 一生, read いっしょう (isshou), primarily means "a lifetime," "one's whole life," or "all one's life." It encompasses the entire duration of a person's existence, from birth to death. It can also refer to the future, implying the period of time remaining in one's life. 一生 emphasizes the totality or the complete span of something. It often conveys a sense of seriousness, importance, or long-term commitment. It can also be used in more abstract ways to describe something that lasts for a very long time, such as a legacy or a principle.

⚫︎一生懸命勉強します。 Translation: I will study very hard for the rest of my life. ⚫︎彼女は一生の思い出を写真に残した。 Translation: She kept the memories of her whole life in photos. ⚫︎一生の仕事を見つけたい。 Translation: I want to find a job for my entire life.

⚫︎一生 is used to describe actions, experiences, or commitments that span the course of someone's life. ⚫︎It's common to use 一生 when discussing goals, dreams, or significant life events. ⚫︎The word is appropriate for both formal and informal conversations, but the context will influence the level of formality. ⚫︎When expressing dedication or commitment, 一生 is often employed to highlight the long-term nature of the action. ⚫︎It's also used to describe things that are expected to last a long time, such as a home, a marriage, or a principle.

⚫︎The word 一生 is written with the kanji 一生. ⚫︎The reading is always いっしょう in hiragana. ⚫︎There are no variations in okurigana.

⚫︎生涯 (shougai) - lifetime, one's whole life. ⚫︎人生 (jinsei) - life, one's life. ⚫︎終生 (shuusei) - throughout one's life; lifelong

There aren't direct antonyms as 一生 refers to a period, not an action or quality. However, the concept of a short period or a brief moment might be considered the opposite in certain contexts, which could be expressed using words like: ⚫︎一時 (ichiji) - a time; a moment. ⚫︎短期間 (tankikan) - short period.

彼女は一生、音楽に情熱を注いだ。 ・Translation: She was passionate about music for her whole life. ・Explanation: This sentence describes someone's lifelong dedication to music, emphasizing the complete duration of their passion.

一生忘れられない経験でした。 ・Translation: It was an experience I will never forget in my life. ・Explanation: This sentence describes a significant, unforgettable experience that will be remembered for the rest of the speaker's life.

⚫︎一生 is composed of two kanji: 一 (ichi), meaning "one" or "whole," and 生 (shou/sei), meaning "life" or "birth." ⚫︎Therefore, 一生 literally translates to "whole life" or "one's life." ⚫︎The combination of these kanji creates a word that succinctly captures the entire span of a person's existence.