Translation guide
Expresses the idea of something happening or being experienced within the span of a person's life. Japanese uses several set phrases and adverbs, with the most common being 生きている間に (while alive) and 一生のうちに (within one's lifetime).
To say that something occurs or should be done while a person is still alive, often with a sense of limited time or opportunity.
Literally 'while (I/you/he/etc.) am/is alive'. A very natural and common way to express 'during one's lifetime'. The subject is often omitted and understood from context.
生きている間に一度は富士山に登りたい。
I want to climb Mt. Fuji at least once in my lifetime.
He accomplished many things during his lifetime.
Literally 'within one's lifetime/whole life'. Emphasizes the entire span of life. Often used with experiences or achievements.
一生のうちに一度は海外旅行をしてみたい。
I'd like to travel abroad at least once in my lifetime.
この本は一生のうちに読むべきだ。
This is a book you should read in your lifetime.
A more formal or written expression meaning 'while alive' or 'during one's lifetime'. Often used in historical or biographical contexts.
その画家は存命中に評価されなかった。
The painter was not appreciated during his lifetime.
Literally 'before death', but used to mean 'during one's lifetime', especially when referring to something that happened or was done while the person was alive, often in contrast to after death.
彼は生前にこの土地を寄付した。
He donated this land during his lifetime.
Similar to 生きている間に, but うちに implies 'while the state of being alive lasts', often with a nuance of 'before it's too late'.
生きているうちに会えてよかった。
I'm glad I could see you while you're still alive.
To say that something has never happened or been experienced in one's entire life up to now.
Pattern: 'Since being born, not even once...'. A very common way to express 'never in my life'. The verb/adjective in negative form follows.
生まれてから一度も海外に行ったことがない。
I've never been abroad in my life.
こんなにおいしい料理は生まれてから一度も食べたことがない。
I've never eaten such delicious food in my life.
Literally 'not even once in a lifetime'. Stronger emphasis on the entire life span.
一生に一度も結婚しない人もいる。
Some people never get married in their lifetime.
To describe a rare, special opportunity or experience that is unlikely to happen again.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'once-in-a-lifetime'. Modifies nouns like 経験 (experience), チャンス (chance), 機会 (opportunity).
これは一生に一度のチャンスだ。
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
一生に一度の経験をした。
I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Both mean 'during one's lifetime', but 生きている間に focuses on the period of being alive (often with a sense of 'while I still can'), while 一生のうちに views the lifetime as a whole span and is often used for counting experiences or achievements.
生きている間に行きたい場所がたくさんある。
There are many places I want to visit while I'm alive.
一生のうちに何回引っ越しをするだろうか。
How many times will I move in my lifetime?
While 生涯 (しょうがい) means 'lifetime', the phrase 私の生涯の間に is not natural in everyday Japanese. Use 生きている間に or 一生のうちに instead. 生涯 is more common in compound words or formal contexts (e.g., 生涯学習, lifelong learning).
A Zen-related proverb meaning 'one time, one meeting', emphasizing that each encounter is unique and should be treasured. Often used in tea ceremony contexts, but can be applied to any irreplaceable moment.
この出会いは一期一会だ。
This meeting is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.