JLPT N3 Vocabulary – Difference between “永久” and “永遠”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “永久” and “永遠“
2. 永久
3. 永遠
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Do “永久” and “永遠” have the same meaning?
A: Both imply “continuing forever” or “having no end,” but there are differences in usage and nuance.
永久 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Something that continues endlessly. Something that remains in the same state forever.
[Commonly used words together]
Suspension, preservation, guarantee, free, etc.
[Examples]
この平和が永久に続きますように。
May this peace last forever.
大好きなアイドルとの写真を永久に保存しておこう！
I’ll save the picture with my favorite idol forever!
It is also used to express ‘physical permanence’ in addition to realistic and specific things. For example, the state of a building that remains unchanged for hundreds of years or the properties of an object (such as hardness, shape, or temperature) is often described with “永久“.
[Examples]
この橋は非常に強い素材で作られているので、永久に壊れることはないでしょう。
This bridge is made from extremely strong materials, so it will likely never break.
⇒ This indicates that the bridge will physically exist forever.
この島は千年前に凍ってから、永久にそのままです。
This island has remained frozen for a thousand years and will stay that way forever.
⇒ This expresses that the island’s frozen state has remained unchanged.
永遠 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Something that continues indefinitely into the distant future without time limitations.
[Commonly used words together]
Love, friendship, vow, promise, dream, etc.
[Examples]
結婚式で永遠の愛を誓いました。
They vowed eternal love at the wedding.
わたしたちの友情は永遠です。
Our friendship is eternal.
In addition to abstract concepts, it is also used to express spiritual permanence. It is often used to describe things that are not realistic but aspirations or ideals that are difficult to achieve.
[Examples]
この主人公は子供たちにとって永遠のヒーローです。
The protagonist is an eternal hero to the children.
⇒ Hero represents an admired figure to children, so “永遠” is used.
永遠の若さが保てる薬がほしいです。
I want a medicine that can preserve eternal youth.
⇒ Youth is an abstract and aspirational concept, so “永遠” is used to express this.
Let’s Compare
“永久” refers to something realistic and specific.
[Examples]
クレジットカードを使い過ぎて永久に停止されました。
The credit card was permanently suspended due to excessive use.
⇒ This means the suspension of the credit card will continue indefinitely.
ここの会員は永久に無料です。
Members here are free of charge forever.
⇒ This expresses that members will continue to be in a state where they do not have to pay fees.
On the other hand, “永遠” is used to express abstract concepts.
[Examples]
永遠の愛って本当にあるのかな。
I wonder if eternal love really exists.
⇒ This expresses ‘love’ that continues indefinitely without time limits.
卒業してもわたしたちの友情は永遠だからね！
Even after we graduate, our friendship will be eternal!
⇒ This is a somewhat metaphorical expression, conveying that the friendship will remain unchanged even after a long time.
Now, in the following cases, which do you think is more appropriate?
[Example ①]
わたしたちはこの建物を永久に残したいです。
VS
わたしたちはこの建物を永遠に残したいです。
[Example ②]
彼女の心の美しさは永久です。
VS
彼女の心の美しさは永遠です。
The correct answers are ①永久, ②永遠.
In ①, ‘building’ refers to something physically visible and specific.
In ②, ‘inner beauty’ is an abstract concept. Also, “永遠” suggests a sense that, compared to “永久”, it applies to things that may eventually end but are hoped to continue unchanged.
Summary
[永久]
- Endlessly continuing. Something that remains in the same state forever.
- It refers to realistic and specific things, as well as the physical durability of objects like buildings, and characteristics of objects (such as hardness, shape, temperature).
[永遠]
- Something that continues indefinitely into the distant future without time limitations.
- It is used to describe abstract things or spiritual permanence. It is also often used for “things admired or yearned for.”
- In some cases, it may also include the feeling of wanting something that could eventually end to remain unchanged and continue forever.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 永久に
こちらに申し込むと永久に商品が保証されます。
If you sign up here, the product will be guaranteed forever.
*Since “guarantee” refers to something realistic and specific, “永久に” is the correct choice.
A. 永遠
この誓いは永遠です。
This vow is eternal.
*Since “vow” is an abstract concept, “永遠” is appropriate.
A. 永久に
彼は不正をして国から永久に追放されました。
He was permanently exiled from the country for misconduct.
*Since “exiled” refers to something realistic, “永久に” is the correct choice.
A. 永遠の
永遠の命なんてありません。
There is no such thing as eternal life.
*Since “life” is an abstract concept, “永遠の” is the correct choice.
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