Meaning and Usage
"一生" (いっしょう) literally means "one's whole life" or "throughout one's life." It is often used to express something lasting or continuing for a lifetime, whether it be an effort, a memory, or a state of being.
Common Collocations
- 一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい): means "with utmost effort" or "very hard," often used to describe working hard or trying one's best.
- 一生独身 (いっしょうどくしん): means "single for life," used when someone decides not to marry.
- 一生の思い出 (いっしょうのおもいで): means "a lifelong memory," referring to something unforgettable.
Register and Nuance
"一生" is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often carries a strong emotional or serious nuance, especially when combined with words like "懸命" (earnest effort) or "思い出" (memory).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "一生" with "一生懸命". Remember, "一生" means "a lifetime," while "一生懸命" means "with all one's effort." They are related but not interchangeable.
Practical Tips
Use "一生" when you want to emphasize the duration of something lasting an entire life or something very significant that affects one's whole life. It is common in expressions about lifelong commitments, memories, or efforts.