`生活` is a cornerstone of daily Chinese thought and conversation, but it's crucial to distinguish it from a similar-sounding term, `生命 (shēngmìng)`.
This distinction highlights a pragmatic aspect of Chinese culture. While the philosophical value of life (`生命`) is understood, a great deal of focus is placed on the practical quality of one's `生活`. A “good life” (`好生活`) often implies stability, a decent income, a harmonious family, and good food. This contrasts with some Western concepts where a “good life” might lean more heavily on self-actualization or individual freedom, though there is certainly overlap. The common phrase `生活不容易` (shēnghuó bù róngyì), “Life isn't easy,” almost always refers to the struggles of the daily grind, work, and finances, rather than an existential crisis.
`生活` is an incredibly versatile word used constantly in both formal and informal contexts.