Translation guide
The English word "eternal" describes something that lasts forever, without end. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on whether you mean literally infinite time, something that feels endless, or a permanent state. The most common and versatile word is 永遠の (eien no), but other options carry nuances of permanence, timelessness, or religious eternity.
Describing something that continues for all time, in a literal or philosophical sense.
The most common and direct translation for 'eternal'. Used for abstract concepts like love, life, or peace. It is a noun meaning 'eternity' that modifies another noun with の.
永遠の愛を誓います。
I vow eternal love.
To seek eternal life.
Similar to 永遠の, but often implies a very long, indefinite duration rather than a philosophical eternity. Common in technical or formal contexts, like 'permanent' or 'perpetual'.
Literally 'undecaying', used for things that are timeless and never lose value, like works of art or achievements. More literary.
不朽の名作
an eternal masterpiece
Expressing that something feels endless or interminable, often with a negative nuance.
A phrase meaning 'as if it would continue eternally'. Used to describe something that feels like it will never end, such as a boring meeting or a long wait.
永遠に続くかのような退屈な会議だった。
It was an eternally boring meeting.
Means 'endless' or 'boundless'. Often used for vast spaces or long journeys, but can also describe feelings that seem eternal.
果てしない後悔に苛まれる。
Tormented by eternal regret.
Describing something that is fixed and will not change, like a rule or a truth.
Referring to the afterlife, divine timelessness, or eternal salvation.
Also used in religious contexts for 'eternal life' or 'eternal salvation'. The standard term.
永遠の命を与える。
To grant eternal life.
An archaic, poetic word for 'eternal', often found in classical literature or religious texts. Evokes a sense of ancient, unchanging eternity.
とこしえの安らぎ
eternal rest
永遠 (eien) is more abstract and philosophical, often used for love, life, or time. 永久 (eikyuu) is more concrete and can imply 'permanent' in a physical or legal sense, like 'permanent residence' (永久居住). For most 'eternal' meanings, 永遠 is the safer choice.
While 永遠の is the most direct translation, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. For hyperbolic 'eternal' (e.g., 'this line is taking forever'), use phrases like 果てしない or 永遠に続くかのような instead.