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.
To say that something occurred or was true while a person was alive.
A natural, general way to say 'while (someone) is alive'. Used for actions or states during life.
祖父が生きている間に、もっと話を聞いておけばよかった。
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'.
彼は存命中に多くの功績を残した。
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'.
生前に遺言を書いておくことが大切です。
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.
生きているうちに一度は海外に行ってみたい。
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.
Conditional form meaning 'if (I) am alive'. Often used in promises or hypotheticals.
生きていれば、また会えるよ。
If we're alive, we'll meet again.
More casual conditional, often used for spontaneous conditions or 'if it turns out I'm alive'.
生きていたら、来年も旅行に行こう。
If we're alive, let's travel again next year.
To emphasize that something is done or experienced while one is still alive, often with a sense of urgency or contrast to death.
Repeated from above, but here the nuance is 'while still alive' as opposed to after death. Very common.
生きているうちにやりたいことを全部やろう。
Let's do everything we want to do while we're still alive.
Literary or poetic expression meaning 'while there is life'. Emphasizes the preciousness of life.
命あるうちに、美しいものを見ておきたい。
While I'm alive, I want to see beautiful things.
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.
生前に財産を分配する。
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.