Refers to the far future, all future generations, or an indefinite long time. Often used in set phrases like 末代まで (for all eternity) or 末代の恥 (a lasting disgrace).
eternity; for evermore; for many generations to come
Written forms
末代Usage98%
Standard kanji spelling.
まつだいUsage2%
Etymology
Compound of 末 (end, future) and 代 (generation, age). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning 'far future generations' is well established.
