Meaning and Usage
The word '终生' (zhōngshēng) means 'for one's entire life' or 'lifelong.' It is often used to describe actions, commitments, or states that last throughout a person's life.
Common Contexts
- Describing lifelong learning or habits: e.g., 终生学习 (lifelong learning).
- Referring to contracts or guarantees valid for life: e.g., 终生有效 (valid for life).
- Expressing enduring relationships or feelings: e.g., 终生友谊 (lifelong friendship).
Collocations and Patterns
- 终生学习: emphasizes continuous education throughout life.
- 终生有效: used in legal or formal contexts for lifetime validity.
- 终生伴随: indicates something accompanying someone for their whole life.
Usage Notes
'终生' is a formal term and often appears in written or formal spoken Chinese. It is more specific than simply '一生' (one's life) because it stresses the entire duration without interruption. Avoid confusing it with '终身,' which is similar but sometimes used more in legal or official contexts. Both can often be interchangeable but check context for nuance.