Translation guide
The English word 'evergreen' can refer to plants that stay green year-round, or metaphorically to something that remains fresh, popular, or relevant over time. This guide covers both meanings and how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Describing a tree or plant that retains green leaves throughout the year.
Describing a song, story, idea, or product that stays fresh and beloved over a long period.
Means 'immortal' or 'everlasting'. Commonly used for works of art, literature, or achievements that stand the test of time.
The word 常緑 (じょうりょく) only applies to plants. Using it to describe a timeless song or idea would sound unnatural. Use 不朽 or 色あせない instead.
The standard term for an evergreen tree. Used in gardening, botany, and everyday conversation.
この公園には常緑樹が多い。
There are many evergreen trees in this park.
A noun or prefix meaning 'evergreen'. Often used in compound words like 常緑植物 (evergreen plant).
この植物は常緑です。
This plant is evergreen.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'green all year round'. More colloquial than 常緑.
この木は一年中緑の葉をつけている。
This tree has green leaves all year round.
A literary or traditional term for an evergreen tree, often used in poetry or classical contexts.
常磐木の如く変わらぬ友情。
A friendship unchanging like an evergreen tree.
この曲は不朽の名作だ。
This song is an evergreen masterpiece.
Literally 'does not fade in color'. Metaphorically means something that never loses its appeal or freshness.
彼女の魅力は色あせない。
Her charm is evergreen.
Means 'always fresh'. Used for things that remain exciting or new no matter how much time passes.
このデザインはいつまでも新鮮だ。
This design is evergreen.
The loanword from English, sometimes used in marketing or music contexts to mean a timeless hit. Not as common as native expressions.
このアルバムはエバーグリーンな曲ばかりだ。
This album is full of evergreen songs.