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March 24, 2026
生涯()shēngyá(sheng1ya2)
生涯 (shēngyá) refers to a person's career or the way in which one lives their life. It encompasses not only professional pursuits but also the overall journey and experiences that shape an individual's existence. This term is often used in discussions about life choices, aspirations, and the significance of various life stages.
Frequency#3652DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of one's 生涯 is deeply connected to the idea of fulfilling one's duties to family and society, often reflecting traditional values of hard work and perseverance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree (生) growing throughout its life (涯). The tree represents your career, branching out in different directions as you live your life. The character 生 suggests growth and vitality, while 涯 evokes the idea of a horizon, symbolizing the journey of life.
Meanings of 生涯
shēngyá(sheng1ya2)
1career
2life (way in which sb lives)
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About 生涯
生涯Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 生涯
Podcast: 生涯
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AI Study Notes for 生涯
Quick Contrast
职业 (zhíyè) vs 生涯 (shēngyá): use 职业 when specifically referring to a person's profession, while 生涯 encompasses the broader life journey.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree (生) growing throughout its life (涯). The tree represents your career, branching out in different directions as you live your life. The character 生 suggests growth and vitality, while 涯 evokes the idea of a horizon, symbolizing the journey of life.
Usage Notes
When using 生涯, it's important to consider the context; it often carries a formal tone. Common phrases include '职业生涯' (career) and '人生生涯' (life journey). Avoid using it in overly casual conversations, as it can sound too serious.
HSK Study Tips
Though 生涯 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it relates to other words about life and career paths that learners encounter. Focus on the character components: 生 (life) and 厶 (personal), which can help in understanding related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of one's 生涯 is deeply connected to the idea of fulfilling one's duties to family and society, often reflecting traditional values of hard work and perseverance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 生涯 with just 'career' or 'job.' For example, saying '我的生涯是医生' (My career is a doctor) is incorrect; it should be '我的职业是医生' (My profession is a doctor).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 生涯
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Cultural Notes for 生涯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of one's 生涯 is deeply connected to the idea of fulfilling one's duties to family and society, often reflecting traditional values of hard work and perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions about 生涯
生涯 encompasses the entire life journey and experiences, while 职业 specifically refers to one's profession or job.
It's best to use 生涯 in more formal discussions, as it can sound too serious for casual settings.
No, it can refer to one's entire life journey, including personal experiences and lifestyle choices.
