Translation guide
The concept of living forever, often in a spiritual or metaphorical sense. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 永遠の命, but other terms exist for religious, philosophical, or figurative contexts.
Expressing the idea of life after death or immortality of the soul, as in Christian or general religious contexts.
The standard translation for 'eternal life' in religious and philosophical contexts. Literally 'eternal life'.
キリスト教では、永遠の命が約束されている。
In Christianity, eternal life is promised.
彼は永遠の命を信じている。
He believes in eternal life.
A more literary or religious term for eternal life, often used in Buddhist or philosophical contexts. Can also mean 'immortality'.
仏教では、永生は悟りの境地とされる。
In Buddhism, eternal life is considered a state of enlightenment.
Literally 'undying' or 'imperishable'. Used in philosophical or poetic contexts, not common for personal eternal life.
英雄の名声は不朽である。
The hero's fame is eternal.
Describing something that lasts forever in memory, influence, or legacy, not literal immortality.
Also used metaphorically for things that live on forever, like art or memories.
この絵には永遠の命が宿っている。
This painting has eternal life in it.
Means 'indestructible' or 'immortal'. Often used for legends, spirits, or abstract concepts.
彼の音楽は不滅だ。
His music is immortal.
Expressing a desire for someone to live forever, often in a poetic or exaggerated way.
Literally 'to give eternal life'. Used in blessings or wishes.
神は彼に永遠の命を与えた。
God gave him eternal life.
Means 'eternal youth and immortality', a common phrase in myths and legends. Not exactly 'eternal life' but closely related.
不老不死の薬を探す。
Searching for the elixir of eternal life.
Avoid directly translating 'eternal life' as 永遠の生活 (eien no seikatsu). That sounds like 'eternal daily life' and is unnatural. Use 永遠の命 for the concept of immortal life.
永遠の命 (eien no inochi) is the general term for eternal life, often spiritual. 不老不死 (furōfushi) specifically means 'no aging, no death', and is used in myths and fantasy contexts, like the elixir of life.
彼は作品を通して永遠の命を得た。
He found eternal life through his works.
永遠の命を信じますか？
Do you believe in eternal life?