1.
remaining years of life; retirement years
The rest of one's life, especially the later years after retirement or after a significant life event.
余生を楽しむ。
To enjoy one's remaining years.
定年後は田舎で余生を送りたい。
After retirement, I want to spend my remaining years in the countryside.
祖父は長年勤めた会社を辞めて、穏やかな余生を過ごしている。
My grandfather left the company he worked at for many years and is living a peaceful retirement.
Composed of 余 (remaining, surplus) + 生 (life). Refers to the remaining portion of one's life, typically implying the later, quieter years after a career or major accomplishment. Often used in contexts of retirement planning or reflecting on how to spend the rest of one's days.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 余生を送る: to spend one's remaining years
- 余生を過ごす: to pass one's remaining years
- 余生を楽しむ: to enjoy one's remaining years
- 穏やかな余生: a peaceful retirement
- 余生を捧げる: to dedicate one's remaining years
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 老後: old age, life after retirement — specifically about old age
- 晩年: later years, final years — often used about famous or historical figures
- 隠居: retirement from active life — implies voluntarily withdrawing from work or social duties