Nuance Dictionary / Love & Emotions

영원 yeong-won

Eternity

What does 영원 mean?

영원 (yeong-won) means: Eternity.

Speakers use this noun to describe a phenomenon, shape, or state that continues endlessly without change. It appears in contexts discussing timeless truths, deep memories, and abstract concepts that transcend time. It pairs with nouns like 가치, 사랑, 이별, and 진리, and combines with verbs such as 맹세하다 and 약속하다.

Using this word can elevate a statement from ordinary time to a philosophical or profound register, often carrying a weight of absolute permanence.

Other sides of 영원

◆ romantic vows — Speakers reach for this when expressing deep, enduring emotional commitments, such as in vows or solemn promises. It frequently pairs with verbs of swearing or promising, combining directly into collocations like 영원을 맹세하다 and 영원을 약속하다. It also appears in reflections on the nature of lasting love, as seen in expressions like 영원의 사랑.

In earnest romantic contexts, using this word can feel intensely dramatic and absolute, heightening the emotional weight of a promise.

◆ pop fandom devotion — Speakers use the word to express endless duration or states that continue without change. It appears in contexts discussing concepts that transcend time, such as truth, memories, and profound relationships. It combines with terms related to making solemn commitments, such as oaths and promises.

Among K-pop fans, the term can shift from a literal concept of time into a lighthearted communal pledge, used to express unwavering, lifelong devotion to idols in casual online spaces.

How it's actually used

  • 친구들은 나에게 평생 잊을 수 없는 영원의 추억을 선물했다.
    chingu-deureun na-eul pyeongsaeng ijeul su eomneun yeong-won-ui chumeog-eul seonmul-haetda.
    My friends gave me the gift of an eternal memory that I can never forget for the rest of my life.
    💡 Describes an unforgettable, lasting memory.
  • 오랜 시간이 흘러도 책이 전하는 말은 영원의 진리로 남을 것이다.
    oran sigan-i heulleodo chaek-i jeonhaneun mal-eun yeong-won-ui jilli-ro nam-eul geos-ida.
    Even as a long time passes, the words delivered by the book will remain as an eternal truth.
    💡 Describes a timeless truth.
  • 사진가는 찰나의 순간을 영원으로 담아냈다.
    sajin-ga-neun chalna-ui sun-gan-eul yeong-won-euro dam-a-naetda.
    The photographer captured a fleeting moment into eternity.
    💡 Contrasts a momentary instant with eternity.

Related words in Love & Emotions

약속 yak-sok미련 mi-ryeon평화 pyeong-hwa분노 bun-no절망 jeol-mang

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