Translation guide
The concept of infinity in Japanese is expressed through several words and phrases, depending on whether you mean mathematical infinity, endlessness in time or space, or a hyperbolic sense of 'countless'. The most common everyday word is 無限 (mugen), but other terms like 永久 (eikyuu) and 無数 (musuu) cover related ideas.
Expressing the idea of something without limits, boundaries, or end, such as infinite space, time, or possibilities.
The most common and versatile word for 'infinity' or 'infinite'. Used in mathematics, philosophy, and everyday language to mean limitless, boundless, or endless.
宇宙は無限に広がっている。
The universe extends infinitely.
無限の可能性がある。
There are infinite possibilities.
Means 'eternity' or 'permanence', emphasizing endless duration in time rather than spatial or abstract boundlessness. Often used for things that last forever.
永久に続く愛。
Love that lasts for eternity.
Similar to 永久, meaning 'eternity' or 'forever', but often with a more poetic or philosophical nuance. Commonly used in literature and songs.
永遠の命。
Eternal life.
A literary or formal term meaning 'infinity' or 'eternity', often used in philosophical or poetic contexts. Rare in everyday speech.
無窮の時を超えて。
Beyond infinite time.
Referring to the mathematical concept of infinity, such as in calculus, set theory, or the infinity symbol (∞).
The standard term for mathematical infinity. Used in all technical contexts.
無限大の記号は∞です。
The symbol for infinity is ∞.
この数列は無限に続く。
This sequence continues to infinity.
Literally 'infinity large', often used to specifically mean the mathematical concept of infinity as a quantity, or the infinity symbol.
Emphasizing a very large number or amount, often used hyperbolically to mean 'countless' or 'innumerable'.
Means 'countless' or 'innumerable'. Used when you want to say there are so many you can't count them, but not literally infinite.
無数の星が空に輝いている。
Countless stars are shining in the sky.
Adjectival form of 無数, used before nouns to mean 'innumerable' or 'a myriad of'.
無数の選択肢がある。
There are countless options.
無限 (mugen) is the most general term for infinity, covering mathematical, spatial, and abstract boundlessness. 永遠 (eien) and 永久 (eikyuu) both mean 'eternity' but 永遠 is more poetic and often used for abstract concepts like love or life, while 永久 is slightly more formal and used for permanent physical states or legal permanence.
While 無限 can mean 'infinite', using it to mean 'a lot' can sound overly dramatic. For everyday 'countless' or 'innumerable', use 無数 (musuu) or 数え切れない (kazoekirenai).
宇宙は無限だ。
The universe is infinite.
私には無限の忍耐がある。
I have infinite patience.
星の数は無限だ。
There are an infinite number of stars.
xが無限大に近づく。
x approaches infinity.
A common phrase meaning 'too many to count' or 'countless'. More colloquial than 無数.
数え切れないほどの思い出。
Countless memories.