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생애
saeng-ae
lifetime
그는 생애를 바쳐 예술에 헌신했다.
He devoted his lifetime to art.
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.
Related Phrases
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
root애
love or affection
root한영사전