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생애

saeng-ae
noun★Intermediate— lifetime
formal

The entire span of a person's life from birth to death.

그 소설은 한 사람의 생애를 생생하게 그렸다.

That novel vividly depicted a person's lifetime.

💡

Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person's life journey or achievements.

Collocations

생애의 대부분most of one's life생애를 바치다to devote one's life생애를 회고하다to reflect on one's life

Synonyms

Related Phrases

생애의 전환점phrase
turning point in one's life
생애를 돌아보다phrase
to look back on one's life

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Usage

'생애' is more formal than '일생' or '평생' and is often used in biographies, historical accounts, or literary works.

⚡Gold Rule

Context Matters

Use '생애' when discussing a person's entire life journey, especially in formal or literary contexts.

📖Word Origin

Composed of '생' (life) and '애' (love or affection), originally implying a life filled with meaning or purpose.

📝Usage Notes

While '일생' and '평생' are more commonly used in everyday speech, '생애' is often preferred in formal or literary contexts, especially when discussing biographies or historical figures.

Word Breakdown

생
life
root
+
애
love or affection
root
한영사전

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