永
永·eternity, perpetual, long
- On-yomi
- エイ
- Kun-yomi
- なが(い)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 永遠 | えいえん | eternity, forever |
| 永久 | えいきゅう | permanence |
| 永住 | えいじゅう | permanent residence |
| 永年 | えいねん | many years, long service |
Example sentences
二人の友情は永遠です。
ふたりのゆうじょうはえいえんです。
The friendship between the two of them is forever.
彼はこの国に永住するつもりらしい。
かれはこのくににえいじゅうするつもりらしい。
It seems he intends to settle in this country permanently.
その日のことは永遠に忘れないだろう。
そのひのことはえいえんにわすれないだろう。
I will probably never forget that day.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 永遠 as えいおん instead of えいえん
- Using 永い where 長い is normal — 永い is reserved for stretches of time felt as endless
Memory aid
Picture it
Water (水) with one more stroke on top — a river that keeps flowing on and on without ever stopping.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 永 mean?