zung1 sang1終生终生
Jyutpingzung1 sang1
Yalejūng sāng
Definition
One's lifetime, especially in relation to a career, mission, or lifelong dedication.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on a commitment or state that spans the entirety of a person's life, often carrying a formal or solemn weight. It is frequently paired with verbs indicating dedication or pursuit, such as 奉獻 or 追求. Unlike everyday terms for life duration, this implies a sense of purpose or a long-term vow.
Examples
He decided to dedicate his life to the education sector.
This is the goal he has been pursuing his whole life.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 一世, which is much more common in casual, everyday speech. Using 終生 in a very informal context, like talking about buying a snack, will sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
