Translation guide
The concept of living forever, often in a spiritual or metaphorical sense. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 永遠の命, but other terms exist for religious, philosophical, or figurative contexts.
eternal life (religious)
eternal life (metaphorical)
For things like art, fame, etc.
Expressing the idea of life after death or immortality of the soul, as in Christian or general religious contexts.
The standard translation for 'eternal life' in religious and philosophical contexts. Literally 'eternal life'.
In Christianity, eternal life is promised.
He believes in eternal life.
A more literary or religious term for eternal life, often used in Buddhist or philosophical contexts. Can also mean 'immortality'.
Literally 'undying' or 'imperishable'. Used in philosophical or poetic contexts, not common for personal eternal life.
Describing something that lasts forever in memory, influence, or legacy, not literal immortality.
Expressing a desire for someone to live forever, often in a poetic or exaggerated way.
Avoid directly translating 'eternal life' as 永遠の生活 (eien no seikatsu). That sounds like 'eternal daily life' and is unnatural. Use 永遠の命 for the concept of immortal life.
永遠の命 (eien no inochi) is the general term for eternal life, often spiritual. 不老不死 (furōfushi) specifically means 'no aging, no death', and is used in myths and fantasy contexts, like the elixir of life.
He found eternal life through his works.
Do you believe in eternal life?
仏教では、永生は悟りの境地とされる。
In Buddhism, eternal life is considered a state of enlightenment.
英雄の名声は不朽である。
The hero's fame is eternal.
彼の音楽は不滅だ。
His music is immortal.
Searching for the elixir of eternal life.