noun
lifelong separation; parting while alive
Refers to being separated from a loved one while both are still alive, often with the implication that they may never meet again. Commonly used in emotional contexts such as family separations due to war, disaster, or estrangement.
戦争で家族と生き別れになった。
I was separated from my family during the war, never to see them again.
幼い頃に生き別れた
I am searching for my older brother, from whom I was separated in childhood.