Translation guide
The English word 'everlasting' describes something that lasts forever, is eternal, or never ends. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent that fits all contexts. The best choice depends on whether you are talking about abstract concepts (eternal love, life), physical durability, or a sense of timelessness.
Expressing that something continues without end, often in a spiritual, philosophical, or emotional sense.
The most common and versatile adjective meaning 'eternal' or 'everlasting'. Used for abstract concepts like love, life, peace, etc. It is a な-adjective, so it connects to nouns with な or の.
永遠の愛を誓います。
I vow everlasting love.
Do you want everlasting life?
Similar to 永遠の, but often implies permanence or something that lasts indefinitely. Slightly more formal or literary. Also a な-adjective.
永久の平和を願う。
We wish for everlasting peace.
Means 'imperishable' or 'undying', often used for fame, works of art, or achievements that will never fade. Literary and somewhat formal.
不朽の名作
an everlasting masterpiece
Describing something that lasts a very long time without wearing out, such as materials, products, or physical states.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to last a long time' or 'to be durable'. Used for everyday items like clothes, appliances, or food.
この靴はとても長持ちします。
These shoes are very long-lasting (everlasting in a practical sense).
Means 'having durability' or 'hard-wearing'. More technical than 長持ちする, often used in product descriptions.
耐久性のある素材を使用しています。
We use everlasting (durable) materials.
Means 'permanent' or 'everlasting' in a more formal, often technical sense. Used for effects, solutions, or systems that are designed to last indefinitely.
永続的な解決策が必要だ。
We need an everlasting solution.
Describing something that remains beautiful, relevant, or valuable regardless of the passage of time.
Literally 'transcending eras', this phrase is the most natural way to say 'timeless' or 'everlasting' for things like design, music, or appeal.
時代を超えたデザイン
an everlasting (timeless) design
Means 'universal' or 'everlasting' in the sense of being true or applicable across all times and places. Often used for truths, values, or beauty.
普遍的な美しさ
everlasting (universal) beauty
Using 永遠の (eternal) to describe a physical object like a pair of shoes sounds unnatural and overly dramatic. Use 長持ちする or 耐久性のある instead.
この靴は永遠です。
These shoes are everlasting. (unnatural)
Both mean 'eternal', but 永遠 is more common in everyday speech and emotional contexts, while 永久 is slightly more formal and often used in written language or technical terms (e.g., 永久歯 permanent teeth).