noun, na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Poetic or literary term for an unchanging, everlasting state. Often used in set phrases like 永久の別れ or in lyrical expressions.
I believed our love would last forever.
I never stop wishing for everlasting peace.
Same kanji, but えいえん is the standard modern reading for 'eternity'. とわ is more poetic and less common in everyday speech.
Also means 'eternity', but えいきゅう is more formal and often used in technical or legal contexts. とわ carries a softer, more emotional nuance.
Most common kanji spelling for とわ, though also read えいえん.
Kana spelling is common in modern writing, especially in lyrics and casual contexts.
Also read えいきゅう; used for とわ in poetic or literary contexts.
Rarely used kanji form for とわ.
Derived from classical Japanese とわ (永久), a compound of と (eternal) and は (thing). The kanji 永久 and 永遠 are later Chinese borrowings applied to this native word.