1.
only once; just one time
Emphasizes that something happens only once and cannot be repeated, often carrying a sense of preciousness or urgency about a unique opportunity.
人生は一度きりだ。
You only live once.
そのチャンスは一度きりだった。
That chance only came once.
一度きりの出会いを大切にしたい。
I want to cherish this one-time encounter.
An expression emphasizing that something happens only once and cannot be repeated. Combines 一度 (once) with きり (only, nothing more). Often carries a sense of preciousness or urgency — the one chance should not be wasted.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 人生は一度きり: you only live once
- 一度きりの体験: a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- 一度きりしかない: there is only one chance
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 一回きり — same meaning but slightly more casual
- たった一度 — emphasizes "just once" with a different nuance of smallness
- 二度とない — never again; emphasizes irreversibility