Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true during the period when someone is alive. Japanese often uses specific nouns or set phrases rather than a direct adverbial translation.
while alive
Most common and neutral way to express this.
I wish I had listened to more of my grandfather's stories while he was alive.
More formal and often used in writing or official contexts. Literally 'during one's lifetime'.
He left many achievements while he was alive.
Commonly used when referring to something that happened before someone's death, often in contrast to after death. 'Before one's death' or 'while alive'.
It's important to write a will while you are alive.
Similar to 生きている間に, but with a nuance of 'before it's too late' or 'while one still can'. Often used for things one should do before dying.
I want to go abroad at least once while I'm alive.
To express a condition or promise that depends on being alive at a future time.
To emphasize that something is done or experienced while one is still alive, often with a sense of urgency or contrast to death.
生きている間に is a general, everyday phrase. 生前に is often used in legal or formal contexts, and can imply 'before death' rather than simply 'during life'. Use 生前に when talking about preparations or actions taken in anticipation of death.
Distribute assets while alive.
English 'while alive' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like アライブの間に are not used. Always use the set phrases provided.
If we're alive, let's travel again next year.
While I'm alive, I want to see beautiful things.