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March 24, 2026
时代(時代)shídài(Shi2dai4)
时代 (shídài) refers to a period or era characterized by particular events, developments, or cultural trends. It is commonly used in discussions about historical periods, social changes, or significant advancements in technology and society. The word can also refer to the modern age or a specific phase in someone's life.
Frequency#1730DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of '时代' often relates to significant historical changes, such as the Cultural Revolution or the Opening-Up Policy, which are frequently discussed in educational settings and media.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant clock (representing 'time') with different eras represented by colorful gears. Each gear signifies a unique '时代' that contributes to the overall movement of history, reminding you that '时代' is all about time and transitions.
Meanings of 时代
shídài(Shi2dai4)
1Time, US weekly news magazine
2age
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About 时代
时代Simplified
時代Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1730Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 时代
Podcast: 时代
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AI Study Notes for 时代
Quick Contrast
年代 (niándài) - use 时代 when emphasizing cultural or social characteristics of a period, while 年代 focuses more on the chronological aspect.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant clock (representing 'time') with different eras represented by colorful gears. Each gear signifies a unique '时代' that contributes to the overall movement of history, reminding you that '时代' is all about time and transitions.
Usage Notes
Be mindful not to confuse 时代 with 时刻 (shíkè), which refers to a specific moment in time. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it is versatile. Common collocations include 现代 (xiàndài - modern age) and 历史时代 (lìshǐ shídài - historical era).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 时代 connects with themes of time and history, which are significant in this level. Focus on using it in context with other vocabulary related to culture and society to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of '时代' often relates to significant historical changes, such as the Cultural Revolution or the Opening-Up Policy, which are frequently discussed in educational settings and media.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 时代 with 时代 (shídài), which can also mean era but is less formal. For example, saying '我在这个时代学习' (Wǒ zài zhège shídài xuéxí) is correct, but using 时代 here may sound less appropriate in formal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 时代
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Grammar Patterns of 时代
时代 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这个团体与叙利亚的关系可以追溯到《圣经》____。
The community's links with Syria date back to biblical times.
Example Sentences for 时代 (13)
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1
这个团体与叙利亚的关系可以追溯到《圣经》时代。
zhè gè tuán tǐ yǔ xù lì yà de guān xì kě yǐ zhuī sù dào《 《 shèng》 jīng 》。
The community's links with Syria date back to biblical times.
2
他们是我们这个时代的无名英雄。
tā mén shì wǒ mén zhè gè shí dài de wú míng yīng xióng。
They are among the unsung heroes of our time.
3
如同大多数“和平时代的战争”一样，这与我们的预想不同。
rú tóng dà duō shù“ “ hé píng shí dài de zhàn” zhēng ”， yī yàng ， zhè yǔ wǒ mén de yù。
Like most "peacetime wars" it did not conform to preconceived ideas.
4
这位精神病学家将她的一些问题成功地追溯到她童年时代遭受的严重创伤。
zhè wèi jīng shén bìng xué jiā jiāng tā de yī xiē wèn tí chéng gōng dì zhuī sù dào tā tóng nián shí dài zāo shòu de yán zhòng chuàng shāng。
The psychiatrist successfully traced some of her problems to severe childhood traumas.
5
今天，他方向的改变似乎更与时代合拍。
jīn tiān， ， tā fāng xiàng de gǎi biàn sì hū gēng yǔ shí dài hé。
Today, his change of direction seems more in tune with the times.
6
我认为你在南美度过的青少年时代让你产生了偏见。
wǒ rèn wéi nǐ zài nán měi dù guò de qīng shǎo nián shí dài ràng nǐ chǎn shēng le piān jiàn。
I think your South American youth has prejudiced you.
7
你在学生时代学到什么东西了吗？
nǐ zài xué shēng shí dài xué dào shí mó dōng xī le ma？
Did you learn anything in your day, as a student?
8
墙坍塌了，露出砌在里面的维多利亚时代的壁炉。
qiáng tān tā le， ， lòu chū qì zài lǐ miàn de wéi duō lì yà shí dài de bì。
The wall caved in to reveal a blocked-up Victorian fireplace.
9
挖掘工作已显示在该地区有罗马和盎格鲁-撒克逊时代的遗迹。
wā jué gōng zuò yǐ xiǎn shì zài gāi dì qū yǒu luó mǎ hé àng gé lǔ- - sā kè xùn shí dài de yí。
Ex-cavations have revealed Roman and Anglo-Saxon remains in the area.
10
面对人行道有一些漂亮的维多利亚时代的房子。
miàn duì rén háng dào yǒu yī xiē piāo liàng de wéi duō lì yà shí dài de fáng zǐ。
There are some delightful Victorian houses fronting onto the pavement.
11
《时代》杂志每周都会报道最新的国际新闻。
《Shídài》 zázhì měi zhōu dūhuì bàodào zuìxīn de guójì xīnwén.
Time magazine reports the latest international news every week.
12
他在图书馆找到了很多关于《时代》杂志的旧刊。
Tā zài túshūguǎn zhǎodào le hěn duō guānyú 《Shídài》 zázhì de jiù kān.
He found many old issues of Time magazine in the library.
The cover of Time magazine is often influential and can attract public attention.
Cultural Notes for 时代
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of '时代' often relates to significant historical changes, such as the Cultural Revolution or the Opening-Up Policy, which are frequently discussed in educational settings and media.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While 'era' is a common term in English, in Chinese, it often carries connotations of cultural significance and societal transformation that may not always be emphasized in Western contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 时代
You can say, '我们生活在一个快速变化的时代' (Wǒmen shēnghuó zài yīgè kuàisù biànhuà de shídài), meaning 'We live in a rapidly changing era.'
No, 时代 can also refer to contemporary periods or phases in personal life, such as '青春时代' (qīngchūn shídài - youth era).
In Chinese, the concept of plurality is not always indicated, so you would say '时代' regardless of number.
