Translation guide
Expresses the entire duration of a person's life, from birth to death, or a lifelong commitment. Japanese uses several nouns and adverbial phrases, with nuances of formality and perspective.
Describing something that lasts or happens over the entire course of a person's life.
The most common and versatile word for 'one's whole life'. Can be used as a noun or adverbially with に or を.
He devoted his whole life to music.
a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Often used in formal or written contexts, emphasizing the span of one's career or public life. Can also mean 'lifetime' as a period.
He dedicated his life to education.
Literary or formal term for 'one's whole life', often used in solemn contexts like vows or memorials.
I will never forget it for the rest of my life.
Emphasizing the future duration from now until death.
Also used for 'the rest of one's life' when combined with future-oriented verbs.
They lived happily ever after (for the rest of their lives).
Literally 'until death', a more direct and sometimes emotional way to say 'for the rest of one's life'.
I will love you until I die.
Refers to the remaining years of one's life, often after retirement or a major life event. Implies a quieter, reflective period.
Referring to something that is the only one in a person's life, or a defining feature of their existence.
一生 is the everyday word for 'whole life', used in casual and formal speech. 生涯 is more formal and often refers to one's career or public life span. 生涯 is common in biographies and official statements.
Avoid literal translations like '全体の人生'. Use the set phrases above. For 'my whole life', say 私の一生, not 私の全体の人生.
余生を田舎で過ごしたい。
I want to spend the rest of my life in the countryside.