Meaning and Usage
"终身" means "lifelong" or "for one's entire life." It is often used to describe commitments, benefits, or qualities that last throughout a person's life.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "终身" in formal contexts such as contracts (e.g., "终身福利" - lifelong benefits), personal commitments (e.g., "终身伴侣" - lifelong partner), and personal development (e.g., "终身学习" - lifelong learning).
Collocations and Patterns
- 终身学习 (lifelong learning): emphasizes continuous education.
- 终身伴侣 (lifelong partner): refers to a spouse or life companion.
- 终身福利 (lifelong benefits): benefits guaranteed for life, often in employment.
Nuances
Using "终身" implies a strong, often formal or solemn, sense of duration. It is more serious than simply "一生" (one's life) because it often carries legal, moral, or emotional weight.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "终身" with "一生". While both relate to life duration, "终身" is more formal and used in contexts emphasizing lifelong commitment or guarantee, whereas "一生" is more general and narrative.