Translation guide
Expresses the entire duration of a person's life, from birth to death, or up to the present moment. Japanese uses several set phrases and adverbs, with nuances of lifelong commitment, continuous experience, or a one-time event.
Describing something that lasts for one's whole life, such as a job, a promise, or a condition.
The most common and versatile way to say 'all one's life'. Can be used for both past and future contexts.
He remained single all his life.
I'll never forget it for the rest of my life.
More formal and literary than 一生. Often used in written language or to emphasize a lifelong career or achievement.
He devoted his whole life to education.
Emphatic combination of 一生 and 生涯, meaning 'one's entire lifetime'. Stronger and less common.
It will be a memory of a lifetime.
Emphasizing that something has been true for the speaker's entire life so far.
Literally 'ever since I was born'. Used with ongoing states or habits.
I've lived in this town all my life.
Literally 'ever since I can remember'. More natural when talking about personal memories or awareness.
I've loved cats all my life (as long as I can remember).
Describing a unique or extremely rare experience that happens only once in a person's life.
Expressing a desire that one has held for one's entire life.
一生 is the everyday word for 'all one's life'. 生涯 is more formal and often used in written language or to describe a person's life work. In casual speech, 一生 is preferred.
I worked hard all my life. (casual)
He devoted his life to research. (formal)
English 'all one's life' often translates to 一生, but when emphasizing a continuous state from birth, use 生まれてからずっと. Saying 私の全ての人生 is unnatural.
I've lived in Tokyo all my life.
She has been a teacher all her life.
I've wanted to visit Japan all my life.
It was the chance of a lifetime.
Literally 'one generation, one lifetime'. Emphasizes a grand, unrepeatable event, often used in dramatic contexts.
He staked everything on a once-in-a-lifetime gamble.