Translation and Meaning of: 一生 - ishou

If you've ever watched a dorama or listened to a Japanese song, you've probably encountered the word 一生[いっしょう] – one that carries an emotional weight that's hard to ignore. In the largest online Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo, this expression is highlighted not just for its deep meaning ("whole life"), but also for its presence in memorable phrases and even in tattoos. Here, in addition to exploring its etymology and usage, you will discover how this term connects with Japanese culture in a way that goes beyond the dictionary.

Why is いっしょう so special? It not only defines a period of time, but also carries the idea of commitment, whether in relationships, careers, or even personal promises. If you want to learn how to write it correctly or understand why it appears so often in love songs, this article is your definitive guide.

Etymology and Kanji: What does 一生 really mean?

The kanji 一 (ichi) means "one," while 生 (shou) represents "life" or "birth." Together, they form the idea of "a complete life" – from the first to the last breath. Unlike words like 人生 (jinsei, "human life"), which focuses on the overall experience, いっしょう has a more poetic and absolute tone. It's as if it were a pact with time.

Interestingly, the term emerged during the Heian period (794-1185), when Buddhist concepts of the cycle of life and rebirth influenced the language. A classic example is its use in religious vows: monks promised dedication "一生" to the teachings. Today, this nuance still appears in expressions like 一生懸命 (isshoukenmei), which means "with all the strength of life."

Everyday lies: When do the Japanese say いっしょう?

In conversations, いっしょう is often accompanied by verbs that indicate permanence. Phrases like "I'll never forget in my life" or "We'll be together forever" are common in love declarations. One tip to remember: think of movie scenes where characters make eternal vows – it's almost guaranteed that this word will appear in the subtitles.

But be careful with the context! If a Japanese person says "これが一生の仕事だ" (this is the work of my life), it can either be a compliment (dream career) or a complaint (endless work). The tone is defined by the intonation and situation. Once, in Osaka, I heard an elderly man laughing and saying "一生かかるぞ" (it will take a lifetime) about fixing an old car – proof that even in jokes, the term fits.

Pop culture and curiosities about いっしょう

In J-pop, 一生 is almost a welcome cliché. The band Mr. Children has a hit called "終わりなき旅" (Endless Journey) with the line "一生分の愛をあげる" (I give you love for a lifetime). In anime, it is common in farewell scenes – who hasn't been moved when a character says "一生の思い出" (memory for a lifetime)?

A little-known fact: in wedding ceremonies in Japan, some brides and grooms write 一生幸せ (happiness for a lifetime) in letters to their parents. And for fans of calligraphy, the stroke of the kanji 生 in this word is considered one of the most beautiful to practice – the balance between the four elements (wood, earth, fire, and water) symbolizes the completeness of existence.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 一世 (issei) - One generation, one cycle of life.
• 一代 (ichidai) - A generation, generally referring to a person's life or their era.
• 一生涯 (isshōgai) - A lifetime, the course of a person's entire life.

一生

Romaji: ishou
Kana: いっしょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: whole life; an entire life; throughout life; an existence; a generation; one age; the whole world; the age.

Meaning in English: whole life;a lifetime;all through life;one existence;a generation;an age;the whole world;the era

Definition: all life or a person's life.

Example Sentences - (一生) ishou

See below some example sentences:

一生懸命頑張ります。

Isshoukenmei ganbarimasu

I will do my best.

I will do my best.

• 一生懸命 - intensely, with every effort
• 頑張ります - I'll try hard, I'll do my best

一日一生の大切な時間です。

Ichinichi isshou no taisetsu na jikan desu

A day is an important moment in life.

It is an important moment for a lifetime.

• 一日 (ichinichi) - um dia
• 一生 (isshou) - a lifetime
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 時間 (jikan) - time
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

一生に一度の経験をしたい。

Isshou ni ichido no keiken wo shitai

I want to have a unique experience in life.

I want to experience it once in a lifetime.

• 一生 (isshou) - means "a lifetime"
• に (ni) - a particle that indicates the target or the time at which something occurs
• 一度 (ichido) - "once"
• の (no) - a particle that indicates possession or attribution
• 経験 (keiken) - means "experience"
• を (wo) - a particle that indicates the direct object of the action
• したい (shitai) - means "to want to do"