大半生

dàbànshēng

noun #30,129

Meanings

1 the greater part of one's life
2 most of one's lifetime

Characters

Examples

他大半生都在国外度过。

Tā dàbànshēng dōu zài guówài dùguò.

He spent the greater part of his life abroad.

她把大半生献给了教育事业。

Tā bǎ dàbànshēng xiàngěile jiàoyù shìyè.

She devoted most of her life to education.

Tips

usage

Built from 大半 (dàbàn, 'greater part / mostly') + 生 (shēng, 'life'). Often appears with 度过 ('spend') or 献给 ('devote to') when summing up someone's life path. Compare with 半生 'half a lifetime' which is more neutral about proportion.

Stroke Order

大 dà

半 bàn

生 shēng