后现代 (hòuxiàndài) refers to the 'postmodern' era, characterized by a departure from modernist ideals and an embrace of pluralism, skepticism, and relativism in art, culture, and philosophy. It often critiques established narratives and embraces fragmented, non-linear approaches to understanding reality and society. Commonly used in academic discussions, it encompasses various fields including literature, architecture, and sociology.
HSK 7, 24 strokes, Hard
hòuxiàndài(hou4xian4dai4) T4
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May 27, 2026
后现代hòuxiàndài(hou4xian4dai4)
后现代 (hòuxiàndài) refers to the 'postmodern' era, characterized by a departure from modernist ideals and an embrace of pluralism, skepticism, and relativism in art, culture, and philosophy. It often critiques established narratives and embraces fragmented, non-linear approaches to understanding reality and society. Commonly used in academic discussions, it encompasses various fields including literature, architecture, and sociology.
Strokes24Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese discourse, 后现代 reflects a growing engagement with global cultural trends, often paralleling debates on identity and individualism in the rapidly changing Chinese society. It highlights the tension between traditional values and modern influences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a time traveler stepping out of a modern building into a chaotic, colorful world of eclectic art and mixed messages—this represents postmodernism! The character 后 (hòu) means 'after,' and 现代 (xiàndài) means 'modern,' so think of it as stepping 'after modernity' into a new, chaotic dimension.
About 后现代
后现代Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 后现代
Podcast: 后现代
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AI Study Notes for 后现代
Quick Contrast
现代 (xiàndài) — use 后现代 when referring to the postmodern era that critiques modernism, while 现代 pertains to the modern era itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a time traveler stepping out of a modern building into a chaotic, colorful world of eclectic art and mixed messages—this represents postmodernism! The character 后 (hòu) means 'after,' and 现代 (xiàndài) means 'modern,' so think of it as stepping 'after modernity' into a new, chaotic dimension.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation; the tone of each syllable is crucial for clarity. In formal discussions, it’s often used in conjunction with terms like '文化' (culture) or '艺术' (art), so familiarize yourself with those collocations. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts where simpler terms might suffice.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, focus on understanding complex ideas and nuanced discussions in relation to postmodern concepts. Connect this term to other HSK vocabulary related to culture and philosophy, such as '现代' (modern) and '主义' (ism) to build a deeper understanding.
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese discourse, 后现代 reflects a growing engagement with global cultural trends, often paralleling debates on identity and individualism in the rapidly changing Chinese society. It highlights the tension between traditional values and modern influences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 后现代 with 现代 (modern), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这是后现代艺术' (This is postmodern art) when referring to clearly modern art would be incorrect; it should be '这是现代艺术.'
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 后现代
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Cultural Notes for 后现代
🏮Cultural insight
In contemporary Chinese discourse, 后现代 reflects a growing engagement with global cultural trends, often paralleling debates on identity and individualism in the rapidly changing Chinese society. It highlights the tension between traditional values and modern influences.
Frequently Asked Questions about 后现代
It means 'postmodern,' referring to a cultural and philosophical movement that challenges traditional narratives and embraces diversity.
It's commonly used in academic discussions about art and culture, especially when critiquing or analyzing modern trends.
It's best to use it in specific contexts related to culture, art, or philosophy rather than casual topics.
