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How to say "One's" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "one's", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

一生

いっしょう (isshō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

滄浪之水

そうろうのみず
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "one's" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一生 and 滄浪之水. In Japanese, 一生 (いっしょう (isshō)) is typically associated with "one's whole life, a lifetime" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes the entirety of one's life. Often used to express determination or regret over a lifetime.. On the other hand, 滄浪之水 (そうろうのみず) maps to "One's fortune and the way one is treated by the world depends on one's own conduct." (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "one's" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一生"
彼女は一生懸命に夢を追いかけました。
She pursued her dream with all her might throughout her life.
Bilingual Context for "滄浪之水"
私は滄浪之水に興味があります。
I am interested in One's fortune and the way one is treated by the world depends on one's own conduct..

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "彼女は ___ 懸命に夢を追いかけました。" (Meaning: "She pursued her dream with all her might throughout her life.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "一生" fits here because it means "one's whole life, a lifetime" in the context of: "She pursued her dream with all her might throughout her life.". "滄浪之水" represents "One's fortune and the way one is treated by the world depends on one's own conduct.".