生前(せいぜん)

せいぜん
noun
during one's lifetime; while alive
formaltime-general
1. during one's lifetime; while still alive; before death
Refers to the period when a now-deceased person was still alive. Used when speaking about the actions, wishes, or characteristics of someone who has died.
生前(せいぜん)の姿(すがた)を思(おも)い出(だ)す。
To recall how they looked when they were alive.
祖母(そぼ)は生前(せいぜん)、よく花(はな)を育(そだ)てていた。
My grandmother used to grow flowers when she was alive.
生前(せいぜん)の意思(いし)に従(したが)い、遺産(いさん)は全額(ぜんがく)寄付(きふ)されることになった。
In accordance with their wishes while alive, the entire estate was to be donated.

Usage

生前(せいぜん) is only used in reference to someone who has already died. It would be inappropriate to use it about a living person. It often appears in obituaries, eulogies, and when discussing a deceased person's wishes or legacy.
生前(せいぜん)整理(せいり) has become a widely discussed concept in aging Japanese society, referring to the practice of decluttering and organizing one's belongings and affairs while still alive.

Common collocations

  • 生前(せいぜん)の姿(すがた) (how they looked when alive)
  • 生前(せいぜん)の意思(いし) (wishes expressed while alive)
  • 生前(せいぜん)贈与(ぞうよ) (gift given before death — a legal/tax term)
  • 生前(せいぜん)整理(せいり) (organizing one's affairs before death)
  • 生前(せいぜん)葬(そう) (funeral held while the person is still alive)

Related Words

Related: 死後(しご) (after death)
general
Added 2026.3.12 14:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
16000/16391_seizen