1.
ordinarily; usually; in normal times
Refers to everyday, routine circumstances as opposed to special or extraordinary situations. Used both as a noun (normal times) and as an adverb (normally, usually).
平生は穏やかな人だ。
He's normally a calm person.
平生の心がけが大切だ。
One's everyday mindset is important.
平生から備えておけば、災害時にも慌てなくて済む。
If you prepare in normal times, you won't panic during a disaster.
A somewhat literary or formal synonym for 普段 (usually, normally). Emphasizes the contrast between ordinary circumstances and exceptional situations.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 平生の行い: everyday conduct
- 平生の心がけ: one's usual attitude/mindset
- 平生から: from ordinary times onward (implying habitual preparation)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 普段: usually, normally — more common in everyday speech
- 日頃: on a daily basis, ordinarily — similar formality level
- 平素: ordinarily — even more formal, used in business correspondence
REGISTER:
More literary and formal than 普段. Common in essays, formal writing, and proverbs.