永久

• Reading: えいきゅう
• Romaji: eikyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 永 (ei) — long, eternal; 久 (kyuu) — long time, enduring
• Pronunciation: /eː.kjɯː/

Meaning

Eternity; permanence; perpetuity. Describes something lasting forever without end.

Functions as both a na-adjective and a noun. As a na-adjective: 永久な平和 (eternal peace). As a no-adjective: 永久の命 (everlasting life). Often used in compound words like 永久歯 (permanent teeth) and 永久保存 (permanent preservation). More literary than ずっと or 永遠.

Examples

1. 永久に残る作品を作りたい。 I want to create a work that lasts forever.
2. この建物は永久保存が決定された。 Permanent preservation of this building has been decided.
3. 子どもの乳歯が抜けて永久歯が生えてきた。 The child's baby teeth fell out and permanent teeth grew in.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, science, official documents

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Compound of 永 (ei, long/eternal) and 久 (kyuu, long time/enduring). Together, 'long and enduring' — a double emphasis on the concept of permanence.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal