Translation guide
The series of stages a living thing, product, or system goes through from beginning to end.
The stages of development of a living organism from birth to reproduction to death.
Standard biological term for life cycle, especially in ecology and biology.
カエルの生活環は卵から始まる。
The life cycle of a frog begins with an egg.
Loanword used in both biological and non-biological contexts. Common in business and product contexts.
この昆虫のライフサイクルは短い。
The life cycle of this insect is short.
Means 'lifetime' or 'whole life', but can sometimes be used to refer to the life cycle of an individual organism in a more general sense.
セミの一生は地中で数年過ごした後、地上に出る。
The life cycle of a cicada involves spending several years underground before emerging.
The stages a product, technology, or system goes through from introduction to decline.
The most common term in business, engineering, and technology contexts.
製品のライフサイクルを考慮して設計する。
Design considering the product life cycle.
Literally 'product lifespan', often used when focusing on the duration or durability rather than stages.
このスマートフォンの製品寿命は約3年です。
The life cycle of this smartphone is about 3 years.
Specifically 'system life cycle', used in IT and engineering.
システムのライフサイクル管理が重要だ。
System life cycle management is important.
Evaluation of environmental impacts throughout a product's life.
Standard term for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Often abbreviated as LCA.
この製品はライフサイクルアセスメントを実施しています。
This product has undergone a life cycle assessment.
Japanese translation of 'life cycle assessment', less common than the loanword version.
ライフサイクル評価の結果を報告する。
Report the results of the life cycle assessment.
The progression of phases in a person's life, career, or a relationship.
Literally 'life's cycle', used for personal life stages.
人生のサイクルの中で、今は子育ての時期だ。
In the cycle of life, now is the time for raising children.
Refers to life stages (e.g., childhood, adulthood, retirement). Often used in marketing and sociology.
各ライフステージに合わせた保険商品。
Insurance products tailored to each life stage.
生活環 is strictly biological and academic. ライフサイクル is more versatile and used in business, technology, and everyday contexts. For non-biological uses, ライフサイクル is preferred.
生物学では「生活環」、ビジネスでは「ライフサイクル」を使う。
In biology, use 'seikatsukan'; in business, use 'raifu saikuru'.
生命の循環 is not a standard term and sounds unnatural. Use 生活環 or ライフサイクル instead.
× 生命の循環 → ○ 生活環 / ライフサイクル
Not 'seimei no junkan' but 'seikatsukan' or 'raifu saikuru'.