Translation guide
Expresses the current existence or lifetime, often in contrast to an afterlife, past lives, or future lives. In Japanese, the concept is commonly expressed through set phrases or specific nouns, depending on context.
Referring to one's current existence in a spiritual or philosophical sense, often in Buddhist or reincarnation contexts.
The most direct equivalent for 'this life' in a Buddhist or spiritual context, meaning the present world or current existence.
現世での行いが来世に影響する。
Actions in this life affect the next life.
Literally 'this world', often used to refer to the present life or earthly existence, especially in contrast to the afterlife or spiritual realms.
この世に未練はない。
I have no regrets in this life.
A Buddhist term meaning 'this life', often used in religious or literary contexts.
今生の別れとなるかもしれない。
This might be our final parting in this life.
Referring to one's current life situation, lifestyle, or daily existence, without spiritual connotations.
A natural way to say 'this life' meaning the life you are living now, often used when discussing personal circumstances or choices.
今の人生に満足しています。
I am satisfied with this life.
Literally 'this life', used in a more direct or emphatic way, similar to 'this life of mine'.
この人生をどう生きるかは自分次第だ。
How you live this life is up to you.
Emphasizing that something happens or should happen within the current lifetime, often with a sense of urgency or impossibility.
Means 'while alive' or 'in this lifetime', commonly used to express doing something before one dies.
生きているうちに富士山に登りたい。
I want to climb Mt. Fuji in this life.
A formal or literary phrase meaning 'in this life', often used in Buddhist contexts or solemn statements.
今生のうちに悟りを開きたい。
I want to attain enlightenment in this life.
現世 (げんせ) is the standard Buddhist term for 'this life' in contrast to past and future lives. この世 (このよ) is broader, often meaning 'this world' or 'the land of the living', and can be used in everyday speech. 今生 (こんじょう) is more literary and specifically Buddhist, rarely used in casual conversation.
Directly translating 'this life' as この生活 (このせいかつ) would mean 'this lifestyle' or 'this daily life', which is not the same as the existential concept. Use 今の人生 or 現世 depending on context.