jat1 bui3 zi2一輩子一辈子
Jyutpingjat1 bui3 zi2
Yaleyāt bui jí
Definition
Lifetime; all one's life.
neutraltime
How it's used
While 一輩子 is understood in Cantonese, it carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the much more common 一世. Native speakers typically reach for 一世 when expressing duration or commitment in daily conversation. Using 一輩子 can sometimes sound like a line from a dramatic television show or a more serious, reflective statement.
Examples
I will never forget this for the rest of my life.
Are you planning to live here for your whole life?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 一輩子 in contexts where 一世 is more natural, making their speech sound slightly stiff or overly dramatic. Stick to 一世 for everyday promises or descriptions of time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
