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March 24, 2026
当代(當代)dāngdài(dang1dai4)
当代 refers to the contemporary era or the present age, typically in the context of discussing current events, culture, or social issues. It conveys a sense of modernity and relevance, often used in academic or literary discussions to differentiate current trends from those of the past.
Frequency#12212DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 当代 is significant in discussions about modern Chinese identity, particularly in the context of rapid economic and social changes in China over the past few decades. It often reflects the tension between tradition and modernity in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of 当 (dang) as 'to act' or 'to be' in the present, and 代 (dai) which means 'generation' or 'era'. Imagine a contemporary scene where different generations act together to create a modern society. This connection helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 当代
dāngdài(dang1dai4)
1the present age
2the contemporary era
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 当代
当代Simplified
當代Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#12212Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 当代
Podcast: 当代
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AI Study Notes for 当代
Quick Contrast
现代 (xiàndài) - use 当代 when emphasizing current social issues or cultural trends, while 现代 focuses more on the concept of modernity in a broader sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 当 (dang) as 'to act' or 'to be' in the present, and 代 (dai) which means 'generation' or 'era'. Imagine a contemporary scene where different generations act together to create a modern society. This connection helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 当代 in informal contexts, as it can sound pretentious. Common collocations include 当代艺术 (contemporary art) and 当代文学 (contemporary literature). Ensure you pronounce both tones correctly, as mispronunciation may confuse the term with other similar words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 当代 connects well with other terms related to modern life and societal changes. Focus on using it in discussions about current events, literature, and cultural critiques to enhance your vocabulary and fluency.
Cultural Note
The concept of 当代 is significant in discussions about modern Chinese identity, particularly in the context of rapid economic and social changes in China over the past few decades. It often reflects the tension between tradition and modernity in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 当代 with 现代, thinking they are interchangeable. While they are similar, 当代 specifically refers to the current era, whereas 现代 can imply a broader sense of modernity. For example, saying '当代历史' is incorrect if referring to 'modern history'—the correct term would be '现代历史'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 当代
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Grammar Patterns of 当代
当代 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这套盒装专辑收录了64首最好听的____爱情歌曲。
This boxed collection captures 64 of the greatest modern love songs.
Example Sentences for 当代 (8)
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1
这套盒装专辑收录了64首最好听的当代爱情歌曲。
zhè tào hé zhuāng zhuān jí shōu lù le64 64 shǒu zuì hǎo tīng de dāng dài ài qíng gē。
This boxed collection captures 64 of the greatest modern love songs.
2
2012年诺贝尔文学奖得主为莫言，他“很好地将魔幻现实与民间故事、历史与当代结合在一起”。
2012 2012 nián nuò bèi ěr wén xué jiǎng dé zhǔ wéi mò， yán“ ， tā “ hěn hǎo dì jiāng mó huàn xiàn shí yǔ mín、 jiān gù shì 、 lì shǐ yǔ dāng dài jié”。
The 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Mo Yan"who with hallucinatory realism merges folk tales, history and the contemporary".
3
她给像惠特尼·休斯敦这样的人写了很多当代音乐作品。
tā gěi xiàng huì tè ní· · xiū sī dūn zhè yàng de rén xiě le hěn duō dāng dài yīn lè zuò。
She writes a lot of contemporary music for people like Whitney Houston.
Contemporary photographs are juxtaposed with a sixteenth century, copper Portuguese mirror.
Cultural Notes for 当代
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 当代 is significant in discussions about modern Chinese identity, particularly in the context of rapid economic and social changes in China over the past few decades. It often reflects the tension between tradition and modernity in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 当代
No, 当代 specifically refers to the present age and is not used for historical contexts.
It is more commonly found in formal writing or discussions, rather than everyday casual conversations.
Synonyms include 现代 (xiàn dài), which also means modern or contemporary.
