永年

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 永年 is read as えいねん and functions as a noun or adverbial expression for a long period extending over many years.
• Basic usage: Working for many years appears in 永年働く, while long service appears in 永年勤続.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Emphasis on a long duration
  • It emphasizes that something continued for many years without specifying an exact number.
• Difference from 長年
  • Both mean many years, but the spelling 永年 is often seen in formal contexts such as service and recognition.