jat1 sai3一世
Jyutpingjat1 sai3
Yaleyāt sai
Definition
One's whole life; lifetime.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Often used to express a sense of permanence or long duration, this term carries a slightly more dramatic or emotional weight than just saying for a long time. It frequently appears in contexts involving promises, regrets, or extreme states of being. When someone says they will do something一世, they are emphasizing an unwavering commitment or an inescapable situation.
Examples
I really want to be this happy with you for my whole life.
Do you plan on living here for your whole life?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean a specific historical era or a person's life story, as it focuses strictly on the duration of a lifetime. It is not a direct translation for the English word life in the sense of biology or biography.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
