Meaning and Usage
The adjective '영원하다' means 'to be eternal' or 'to last forever.' It is often used in poetic, romantic, or formal contexts to express something that does not end or change over time.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see '영원하다' used with abstract nouns like 사랑 (love), 우정 (friendship), 행복 (happiness), or 기억 (memory) to emphasize their lasting nature.
Collocations and Patterns
- 사랑은 영원하다: Love is eternal — a common phrase in romantic or poetic speech.
- 영원한 우정: Eternal friendship — used to describe lasting bonds.
- 영원히 기억하다: To remember forever — often used in memorial contexts.
Register and Politeness
'영원하다' is neutral in politeness but tends to appear in formal or literary language rather than casual conversation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '영원하다' with '영원히,' which is the adverb form meaning 'eternally' or 'forever.' Remember that '영원하다' is an adjective describing a state, while '영원히' modifies verbs or adjectives.