Translation guide
Expresses an extremely long or infinite duration, often with emotional emphasis. In Japanese, this is conveyed through set phrases, reduplication, or combining words for 'eternity' with emphasis markers.
To say that something will last for all time, with strong feeling (love, promises, etc.)
Literally 'until whenever', this is the most common and natural way to say 'forever' with emotional weight. Often used in promises, farewells, and expressions of lasting feelings.
あなたのことをいつまでも愛しています。
I will love you forever and ever.
この幸せがいつまでも続きますように。
May this happiness last forever and ever.
Means 'eternally'. Slightly more formal or literary than いつまでも, but still common in songs, poems, and serious declarations.
私たちの友情は永遠に続くでしょう。
Our friendship will last forever and ever.
A Buddhist-derived term meaning 'for all eternity, into the infinite future'. Very emphatic and somewhat literary. Used in dramatic or solemn contexts.
この罪は未来永劫消えない。
This sin will not disappear forever and ever.
To describe an action or state that goes on endlessly, often in a more literal or narrative sense.
Also used for ongoing, indefinite continuation. Can imply 'forever' in the sense of 'always' or 'endlessly'.
彼はいつまでも話し続けた。
He kept talking forever and ever.
Means 'endlessly, on and on'. Often used for something that seems to go on too long, like a speech or a road.
会議が延々と続いた。
The meeting went on forever and ever.
Means 'all the time, continuously'. When combined with いつまでも, it strengthens the meaning: いつまでもずっと (forever and ever).
To express that something will be passed down or remembered forever, often in a historical or cultural context.
Literally 'for a long time to come'. Commonly used in well-wishes for marriages, new businesses, or lasting prosperity.
お二人の幸せを末永くお祈りします。
I wish you both happiness forever and ever.
Means 'to be passed down eternally'. Used for legends, heroic deeds, or unforgettable events.
彼の功績は永遠に語り継がれるだろう。
His achievements will be told forever and ever.
Do not translate 'forever and ever' word-for-word as 永遠と永遠 (eien to eien) or similar. Japanese uses set phrases like いつまでも or 永遠に to convey the same emphasis.
✕ 永遠と永遠に
Incorrect literal translation
いつまでも is more colloquial and emotionally warm, often used in everyday promises and expressions of love. 永遠に is slightly more formal, abstract, or literary, and can sound more solemn or poetic.
二人はいつまでも幸せに暮らしました。
They lived happily forever and ever.
その思い出は永遠に残るでしょう。
The memory will remain forever and ever.
Let's be together forever and ever.