Meanings of 终生
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Podcast: 终生
Podcast: 终生
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AI Study Notes for 终生
终身 (zhōngshēn) - use 终生 for a focus on the entire duration of life, while 终身 emphasizes the lifelong aspect of a commitment or condition.
Be cautious not to confuse 终生 with 永生 (yǒng shēng), which means 'eternal life.' 终生 is more about the human lifespan, while 永生 implies immortality. It is generally used in formal contexts, such as literature or speeches.
While 终生 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to concepts of time and life stages found in HSK Level 3 and 4. Focus on how it relates to other words about time, such as 生活 (shēng huó) and 未来 (wèi lái), which can deepen understanding of life in Chinese.
Learners sometimes confuse 终生 with the phrase 一生 (yī shēng), which also means 'lifetime' but has a more casual connotation. For instance, saying '我会爱你终生' (wǒ huì ài nǐ zhōng shēng) is correct, while using 一生 here may sound less formal.
Pronunciation of 终生
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Component Characters
How to say throughout one's life in Chinese
“throughout one's life” in Chinese is终生
终生 (zhōng shēng) refers to the entirety of a person's life, often used to express something that lasts for a lifetime or is lifelong. It is commonly used in contexts such as lifelong commitments, experiences, or principles that one holds throughout their life.
When to use 终生
Be cautious not to confuse 终生 with 永生 (yǒng shēng), which means 'eternal life.' 终生 is more about the human lifespan, while 永生 implies immortality. It is generally used in formal contexts, such as literature or speeches.
终生 or something close to it
终身 (zhōngshēn) - use 终生 for a focus on the entire duration of life, while 终身 emphasizes the lifelong aspect of a commitment or condition.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 终生 with the phrase 一生 (yī shēng), which also means 'lifetime' but has a more casual connotation. For instance, saying '我会爱你终生' (wǒ huì ài nǐ zhōng shēng) is correct, while using 一生 here may sound less formal.
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Cultural Notes for 终生
In Western cultures, the notion of lifelong commitments can sometimes be viewed more flexibly, often allowing for changes in life choices, whereas in Chinese culture, there is often a stronger emphasis on honoring lifelong promises.
Frequently Asked Questions about 终生
Yes, 终生 is often used to describe lifelong relationships, such as in marriage or friendships.
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