Translation guide
The period of time that a person or thing exists or functions. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 一生 (isshō), but other words like 生涯 (shōgai) and 寿命 (jumyō) are used depending on context, such as career, lifespan of objects, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Referring to the whole duration of a person's life, from birth to death.
The most common and general word for a person's lifetime. Used in everyday speech.
彼は一生を日本で過ごした。
He spent his lifetime in Japan.
一生忘れられない思い出です。
It's a memory I'll never forget in my lifetime.
Often used for one's lifetime in terms of career, achievements, or a more formal/literary context.
彼は生涯を教育に捧げた。
He devoted his lifetime to education.
The length of time a living thing or product is expected to live or function.
Refers to the natural lifespan of living things, or the useful life of products, machines, etc.
この犬の平均寿命は１２年です。
The average lifetime of this dog is 12 years.
この電池の寿命は約５年です。
The lifetime of this battery is about 5 years.
Can also be used for animals, especially pets, but 寿命 is more precise for lifespan length.
Emphasizing that something happens only once in a person's life.
Literally 'once in a lifetime'. Very common phrase.
これは一生に一度のチャンスだ。
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
More dramatic, often used for performances or grand gestures. 'Once in a generation' nuance.
一世一代の大舞台。
The performance of a lifetime.
Referring to accomplishments or efforts spanning one's entire career or life.
Common phrase for 'lifetime's work' or 'life's work'.
これが私の生涯の仕事です。
This is my lifetime's work.
More formal, used for lifetime achievements or accomplishments.
彼は一生の業績で賞を受けた。
He received an award for his lifetime achievements.
Expressing that something will continue until death.
Pattern: 一生 + verb. Means 'do something for one's whole life'.
彼は一生独身でいるつもりだ。
He intends to stay single for his lifetime.
Literally 'until death', more casual and direct.
死ぬまでここに住みたい。
I want to live here for the rest of my lifetime.
一生 (isshō) is the most general and common for a person's entire life. 生涯 (shōgai) is often used for career or public life, and can sound more formal or literary. 寿命 (jumyō) specifically refers to lifespan length, for both living things and objects.
寿命 means 'lifespan' and cannot be used in phrases like 'once-in-a-lifetime chance'. Use 一生に一度 instead.
彼は一生を人助けに費やした。
He spent his lifetime helping others.
この電球の寿命は１万時間です。
The lifetime of this light bulb is 10,000 hours.
猫の一生は意外と短い。
A cat's lifetime is surprisingly short.