三生有幸

sān shēng yǒu xìngidiom
to be extremely lucky

能认识你,我真的是三生有幸。

I’m truly extremely lucky to have met you.


What It Really Means
To feel an exceptionally rare and fated fortune in meeting or encountering someone, often implying a deep sense of gratitude and reverence.
Literal Meaning
To have good fortune across three lifetimes.
Literal Breakdown
三生three lifetimes+有幸to have good fortune
Mental Image
A mental picture of a rare, almost predestined encounter that spans across multiple lifetimes, evoking a sense of cosmic blessing.
When to Use
A student meeting their mentor for the first time might say, '能认识您,我三生有幸。' (It’s a great honor to meet you.)
Cultural Note
The idiom reflects Buddhist and Taoist beliefs in reincarnation and fate. It emphasizes the rarity and sacredness of human connections, often used in literature and formal speech to convey deep respect.
formal

To feel profoundly fortunate or blessed in a situation, often implying a rare or fated encounter.

能和您共事,我三生有幸。

It’s a great honor to work with you.

能听到您的教诲,我三生有幸。

I’m deeply honored to hear your guidance.

Commonly used to express deep gratitude or appreciation in formal or respectful contexts.

Collocations

三生有幸能...to be extremely lucky to...感到三生有幸to feel profoundly fortunate

Related Phrases

前世修来的福idiom
blessings accumulated from past lives
缘分word
fate or destiny between people

Pro Tip

Formal vs. Casual Use

This idiom is highly formal and should only be used in respectful or serious contexts. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like '真幸运' (really lucky) are more appropriate.

Gold Rule

Respectful Context

Use '三生有幸' when addressing someone of higher status or expressing deep gratitude. Avoid using it for trivial matters.

Word Origin

Originates from Buddhist concepts of reincarnation. '三生' refers to three lifetimes (past, present, future), implying that meeting someone is a rare and fated event across lifetimes. The idiom reflects the idea that such an encounter is a blessing from fate.

Usage Notes

Primarily used in formal or respectful speech, such as when expressing gratitude to elders, mentors, or superiors. Avoid overusing in casual contexts.

Word Breakdown

三生
three lifetimes (past, present, future)
root
+
有幸
to be lucky/fortunate
root
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