Inklingo
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eterno

/eh-TEHR-noh/

eternal

A simple winding river flowing through a lush green landscape toward a distant horizon, implying perpetual motion and never-ending existence.

The concept of 'eterno' (eternal) is visualized by the river's never-ending flow, representing perpetual existence.

eterno(Adjective)

mC1

eternal

?

never-ending existence

,

everlasting

?

timeless quality

📝 In Action

Dicen que el alma es eterna y nunca muere.

C1

They say the soul is eternal and never dies.

La búsqueda de la felicidad eterna es un tema filosófico.

C2

The search for everlasting happiness is a philosophical topic.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sempiterno (everlasting)
  • imperecedero (undying)

Antonyms

  • efímero (short-lived)
  • mortal (mortal)

Common Collocations

  • el descanso eterno – eternal rest
  • vida eterna – eternal life

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Number

Remember to change the ending to match the noun: 'eterno' (masculine singular), 'eterna' (feminine singular), 'eternos' (masculine plural), and 'eternas' (feminine plural).

A small, solitary figure standing at the beginning of an extremely long, straight, empty road that stretches into a misty distance, emphasizing vast duration.

When something feels like an 'eterno' (endless) period of time, it stretches out indefinitely, like this vast road.

eterno(Adjective)

mB2

endless

?

describing a long period of time

,

constant

?

describing a recurring situation

Also:

never-ending

?

figurative exaggeration

📝 In Action

La reunión se hizo eterna, duró casi tres horas.

B1

The meeting became endless; it lasted almost three hours.

Ese eterno problema de tráfico nunca se soluciona.

B2

That constant traffic problem is never solved.

Mi hermana es la eterna optimista, siempre ve el lado bueno.

B2

My sister is the eternal optimist; she always sees the bright side.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • interminable (interminable)
  • incesante (incessant)

Common Collocations

  • una espera eterna – an endless wait
  • el eterno retorno – the eternal return (philosophical concept)

💡 Grammar Points

Emphasis Placement

When 'eterno' is used figuratively (meaning 'constant' or 'always present'), it often goes before the noun, like in 'el eterno dilema' (the constant dilemma).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Constant' and 'Forever'

Mistake: "Using 'eterno' when you just mean 'frequent' or 'long'."

Correction: Use 'largo' (long) or 'frecuente' (frequent) unless you want the strong exaggeration 'eterno'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use for Humor

'Eterno' is great for humorous exaggeration. Saying 'Este viaje es eterno' (This trip is eternal) is much more dramatic than saying 'Este viaje es largo' (This trip is long).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: eterno

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'eterno' in its most literal sense (existing without end)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

eternidad(eternity) - noun
eternamente(eternally) - adverb
eternizar(to prolong/make eternal) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use 'eterno' or 'para siempre' when talking about something lasting forever?

'Eterno' is an adjective describing a noun (e.g., 'amor eterno' - eternal love). 'Para siempre' is a phrase that means 'forever' and is used to modify a verb (e.g., 'Te amaré para siempre' - I will love you forever).

How do I make 'eterno' feminine or plural?

Since 'eterno' ends in -o, you change the ending to match the noun: 'eterna' (feminine singular), 'eternos' (masculine plural), and 'eternas' (feminine plural).