yibeizi: 一辈子 - A lifetime, All one's life

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• Summary: Discover the meaning of 一辈子 (yībèizi), the common Chinese term for “a lifetime” or “all one's life.” This page breaks down its cultural significance, showing how it's more than just a measurement of time—it's a powerful expression of lifelong commitment, love, regret, and dedication. Learn the difference between 一辈子 and 一生, see practical examples, and understand how to use this essential word to express deep, personal sentiments in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yībèizi
• Part of Speech: Noun (frequently used as a time adverbial)
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: An entire lifetime; all of one's life.
• In a Nutshell: 一辈子 (yībèizi) is the word you use when you want to talk about the entire span of a person's life from a very personal and emotional perspective. It’s not just a block of time on a calendar; it's the “forever” of personal promises, the “whole life” of deep regrets, and the “lifelong” journey of a passion or career. It's a word filled with feeling, used to express the weight of one's entire existence.

• 一 (yī): The number “one” or “a single.” It emphasizes the entirety and singularity of the lifetime being discussed.
• 辈 (bèi): This character means “generation” or “lifetime.” It refers to a person's span of life.
• 子 (zi): A very common and neutral noun suffix in Chinese. It doesn't add much meaning here but makes the word sound natural and complete.

When you combine them, 一 (one) + 辈 (lifetime) + 子 (suffix), you get the literal and direct meaning: “a single lifetime.”

In Chinese culture, endurance, long-term thinking, and steadfast commitment are highly valued. 一辈子 is a linguistic embodiment of these values. When someone makes a promise using 一辈子, it carries immense weight, suggesting a commitment that is not to be broken. A good comparison to a Western concept is the phrase “for life.” However, 一辈子 is often more personal and less formal. While an American might talk about a “life partner” or “lifelong dream,” the use of 一辈子 in Chinese conversation is more frequent and emotionally charged. For example, the vow “I will love you for a lifetime” (`我会爱你一辈子`) is a cornerstone of romantic expression. This reflects a cultural ideal where relationships, particularly marriage, are seen as a singular, lifelong journey. It speaks to a desire for stability and permanence in a rapidly changing world. It's less a contractual “till death do us part” and more a heartfelt, personal declaration of an unending state.

一辈子 is primarily used in informal, spoken Chinese. It's a word of the heart, not of a formal report.

• Expressing Love and Commitment: This is its most common usage. It's used between lovers, spouses, and even close friends to signify a bond that will last their entire lives.
• Expressing Deep Regret: People use it to talk about a mistake that has haunted them or a decision whose consequences they have had to live with for their entire life.
• Describing a Lifelong Career or Passion: It can be used to describe someone who has dedicated their whole life to a single profession or hobby, often with a sense of admiration and respect.
• Making a Strong Negative Statement: To say you will “never” do something for your entire life adds a powerful, emotional emphasis.

• Example 1:
  • 我想和你在一辈子。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ zài yīqǐ yībèizi.
  • English: I want to be with you for a lifetime.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, heartfelt romantic declaration. Using 一辈子 here makes the sentiment feel profound and sincere.
• Example 2:
  • 我爷爷当了一辈子的老师，他非常热爱自己的工作。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yéye dāngle yībèizi de lǎoshī, tā fēicháng rè'ài zìjǐ de gōngzuò.
  • English: My grandfather was a teacher his whole life; he really loved his job.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes a lifelong profession. It conveys a sense of dedication and consistency over a long period.
• Example 3:
  • 他因为那个决定，后悔了一辈子。
  • Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi nàge juédìng, hòuhuǐle yībèizi.
  • English: He regretted that decision for his entire life.
  • Analysis: Here, 一辈子 emphasizes the lasting and profound nature of his regret. It wasn't a fleeting feeling, but a lifelong burden.
• Example 4:
  • 这份恩情，我一辈子都不会忘记。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fèn ēnqíng, wǒ yībèizi dōu bù huì wàngjì.
  • English: I will never forget this kindness for as long as I live.
  • Analysis: This is a powerful way to express deep gratitude. The use of 一辈子 elevates a simple “thank you” to a lifelong promise of remembrance.
• Example 5:
  • 人一辈子能找到一个真爱，就很幸运了。
  • Pinyin: Rén yībèizi néng zhǎodào yīgè zhēn'ài, jiù hěn xìngyùn le.
  • English: A person is very lucky if they can find one true love in their lifetime.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses 一辈子 to state a general truth about the human experience, framing life as a singular journey.
• Example 6:
  • 我们说好了，要做一辈子的好朋友。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen shuō hǎo le, yào zuò yībèizi de hǎo péngyǒu.
  • English: We promised each other we would be best friends for life.
  • Analysis: This shows that 一辈子 isn't limited to romantic relationships; it can also describe a deep, lasting friendship.
• Example 7:
  • 我一辈子都没见过这么美的风景！
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yībèizi dōu méi jiànguò zhème měi de fēngjǐng!
  • English: I've never seen such a beautiful landscape in my entire life!
  • Analysis: Used for emphasis, this is a common exaggeration to express how unique and impressive an experience is.
• Example 8:
  • 有些人，你可能一辈子只能见一次。
  • Pinyin: Yǒuxiē rén, nǐ kěnéng yībèizi zhǐ néng jiàn yīcì.
  • English: There are some people you may only meet once in a lifetime.
  • Analysis: This highlights the fleeting and precious nature of certain encounters, framed within the context of a whole life.
• Example 9:
  • 我一辈子都不会原谅他对我做的事。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yībèizi dōu bù huì yuánliàng tā duì wǒ zuò de shì.
  • English: I will never, in my entire life, forgive him for what he did to me.
  • Analysis: This is a strong, emotional statement of unforgiveness. 一辈子 conveys the permanence of the speaker's feelings.
• Example 10:
  • 他一辈子勤勤恳恳，没享过什么福。
  • Pinyin: Tā yībèizi qínqínkěnkěn, méi xiǎngguò shénme fú.
  • English: He worked diligently his whole life and never enjoyed any comforts.
  • Analysis: This sentence summarizes a person's life with a tone of sympathy or melancholy, highlighting a life of hardship.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 一辈子 (yībèizi) and 一生 (yīshēng). Both translate to “a lifetime,” but they are not always interchangeable.

• 一辈子 (yībèizi):
  • Tone: Colloquial, emotional, personal.
  • Usage: Mostly in spoken language or informal writing.
  • Perspective: Refers to a life as experienced by the person living it.
  • Example: `我爱你一辈子。` (I love you for a lifetime.) - Correct and natural.
• 一生 (yīshēng):
  • Tone: More formal, literary, objective.
  • Usage: Common in writing, biographies, and more formal speeches.
  • Perspective: Often used to describe someone's life from an outside, summary point of view.
  • Example: `周恩来总理把他的一生都献给了中国。` (Premier Zhou Enlai dedicated his entire life to China.) - Correct and appropriate.

Common Mistake: Using 一辈子 in a formal, historical, or literary context where 一生 would be more appropriate.

• Incorrect: `孔子一辈子都在教学。` (Confucius taught his whole life.)
  • Why it's awkward: This sounds too colloquial and modern for a historical figure like Confucius.
• Correct: `孔子一生都在教学。`
  • Why it's better: 一生 has the formal, biographical tone suitable for discussing a historical figure's life work.

• 一生 (yīshēng) - A more formal, literary synonym for “lifetime,” often used in writing or to describe a person's life objectively.
• 辈子 (bèizi) - The root word for “lifetime.” It can be combined with other words like `这辈子` (zhèbèizi - this lifetime), `上辈子` (shàngbèizi - previous life), and `下辈子` (xiàbèizi - next life).
• 永远 (yǒngyuǎn) - Forever; eternally. This concept is infinite and unbound by a human lifespan, whereas 一辈子 is finite.
• 终身 (zhōngshēn) - Lifelong. This term is more formal and often used in set phrases related to legal or institutional contexts, like `终身学习` (lifelong learning) or `终身大事` (a major life event, usually marriage).
• 白头偕老 (bái tóu xié lǎo) - An idiom meaning “to grow old together.” This is the ultimate goal of a couple who promises each other 一辈子.
• 一世 (yīshì) - A lifetime; an age or era. It can sound more dramatic or fated than 一辈子.
• 承诺 (chéngnuò) - A promise or commitment. A statement using 一辈子 is often a powerful form of 承诺.