永久

yǒngjiǔ

everlasting

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"永久" (yǒngjiǔ) means something that lasts forever or for a very long time without change. It is often used to describe relationships, agreements, or states that are intended to be permanent.

Common Collocations

  • 永久友谊 (lasting friendship): used to describe a friendship meant to endure indefinitely.
  • 永久保存 (permanent preservation): often used for artifacts, buildings, or records meant to be kept forever.
  • 永久合同 (permanent contract): a contract without a fixed end date, implying ongoing cooperation.

Usage Notes

"永久" is a formal and strong term, implying no foreseeable end. It is more emphatic than words like "长久" (long-lasting) or "持久" (durable). Avoid using it for temporary or uncertain durations.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "永久" with "永远" (yǒngyuǎn), which means "forever" in a more abstract or emotional sense, often used in promises or expressions of eternal feelings. "永久" is more concrete and often used in formal or legal contexts.

Example Sentences

他们立下了永久的友谊。

Tāmen lì xiàle yǒngjiǔ de yǒuyì.

They established a lasting friendship.

这座建筑被设计成永久保存。

Zhè zuò jiànzhù bèi shèjì chéng yǒngjiǔ bǎocún.

This building was designed to be preserved permanently.

永久合同意味着双方的长期合作。

Yǒngjiǔ hétóng yìwèi zhe shuāngfāng de chángqī hézuò.

A permanent contract means long-term cooperation between both parties.