Meaning

Primary

Lifetime

Alternatives

One Lifetime, Generation, One Generation

Word Type

noun

Explanation

This word has the kanji for one and period. You only have one period to live in so this is the only lifetime you get. Unless you're reborn, but that will probably be in the next age, not this one. So one lifetime for you!

Reading

いちだい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 一代でおわる

    to end in one generation

    一代できずく

    to be built in one generation

    一代できえる

    to disappear in one generation

Context Sentences

あのイタリアンレストランは一代でクローズしてしまった。

After a generation, that Italian restaurant has closed.

オーナーは一代でこのホテルを日本一のホテルにしました。

The owner has made this hotel the best hotel in Japan in one generation.

父は一代で小さいコンビニエンスストアを大きなデパートにしたんです。

In one generation, my father turned a small convenience store into a big department store.

Kanji Composition