Definitions
(adjective)
forever; eternal; perpetual
Etymology
Pictograph of a long river with a tributary.
About
The character "永" has an origin tied to the conceptual depiction of water in motion, specifically representing a long, meandering stream or the continuous flow of a river. This foundational idea of unbroken movement naturally extended into its core meaning of "perpetual" or "long-lasting", conveying a sense of enduring continuity. Its structural form, which has remained largely consistent, is often analyzed as abstractly capturing the branching and extending path of water, though its modern appearance is more stylized. Over time, while retaining its primary sense of eternity and permanence, its application broadened to encompass related concepts such as "forever" and served as a grammatical prefix meaning "throughout". Due to the complexity and balance of its strokes, it also became a fundamental model in calligraphy education, used for practicing essential brush techniques.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我们永远是朋友。
这个协议是永久的。
爱情是永恒的主题。
他永远记得那个日子。
如果你永远不放弃，你就会成功。
这座纪念碑将永存于人们心中。
只要世界存在，和平就是永恒的追求。
尽管时间流逝，但那些美好的回忆将永驻我心。