At the A1 level, you only need to know that '世代' (shìdài) means 'generation'. Think of it as a way to talk about groups of people based on their age. For example, 'young generation' or 'old generation'. At this stage, you might see it in simple sentences about families or basic social groups. It is a bit more formal than just saying 'people', but it helps you describe who you are talking about in terms of time. You might hear it in very simple phrases like '下一世代' (next generation). Focus on the idea that it represents a group of people born around the same time.
For A2 learners, '世代' (shìdài) becomes more useful as you start to describe family histories and social changes. You should learn the common idiom '世代相传' (shìdài xiāngchuán), which means 'passed down for generations'. This is very common when talking about food, stories, or traditions. You also start to see it used with adjectives like '年轻' (young) or '老' (old) to form '年轻世代' (younger generation). At this level, you should be able to distinguish '世代' from '时代' (shídài - era), knowing that '世代' is about people and '时代' is about historical periods.
At the B1 level, you can use '世代' (shìdài) to discuss social issues and trends. You will encounter terms like '世代隔阂' (generation gap) and '世代差异' (generational differences). You should be comfortable using '世代' in more complex sentence structures, such as '世代之间的矛盾' (conflicts between generations). You also begin to see '世代' used in professional contexts, like marketing to the 'Z世代' (Gen Z). Your understanding should move beyond just 'family' to include larger social cohorts and how they interact with each other in modern society.
B2 learners should understand the nuance of '世代' (shìdài) in academic and formal Chinese. This includes its use in discussing demographics, sociology, and history. You should be able to use it to describe long-term historical processes, like '世代居住' (living somewhere for generations) or '世代交好' (being friends for generations). At this level, you should also recognize its use in environmental and political contexts, such as '未来世代' (future generations) and the responsibilities we have toward them. You should be able to write short essays comparing different generations using this vocabulary accurately.
At the C1 level, you should master the literary and philosophical connotations of '世代' (shìdài). You will encounter it in classical-style writing and high-level political discourse. It often appears in discussions about 'intangible cultural heritage' (非物质文化遗产) and the 'succession of spirit' (精神的世代传承). You should be able to analyze how '世代' functions as a temporal marker that defines human identity across centuries. Your usage should be precise, choosing '世代' over '时代' or '后代' to evoke specific nuances of continuity, lineage, and collective human experience.
For C2 learners, '世代' (shìdài) is a tool for sophisticated cultural analysis. You can discuss the 'generational shift' in Chinese intellectual history or the 'generational trauma' (世代创伤) that shapes contemporary literature. You understand the etymological roots of the word and can use it to create complex metaphors about time and existence. You can navigate the most formal levels of Chinese, from legal documents discussing 'generational wealth' to poetic works reflecting on the 'endless succession of generations' (世代不息). At this stage, the word is not just a label but a conceptual framework for understanding the flow of human history.

世代 in 30 Sekunden

  • 世代 (shìdài) means 'generation', referring to both a specific age cohort and the long-term succession of people in a family or society.
  • It is commonly used in phrases like '世代相传' (passed down for generations) and '年轻世代' (the younger generation).
  • Unlike '时代' (era), which focuses on historical time, '世代' focuses on the people and their biological or social lineage.
  • It is a formal and versatile word used in family, social, political, and historical contexts to describe human continuity.

The Chinese term 世代 (shìdài) is a profound and multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'generation' in English. However, its usage spans across biological, sociological, and historical contexts, making it much richer than a simple demographic label. At its core, the character 世 (shì) historically represented a period of thirty years—the approximate time it takes for one generation to replace another in a family lineage. The character 代 (dài) means to replace or to substitute. Together, they form a concept of continuous succession, where one group of people follows another through the corridor of time.

Biological Succession
In a family context, it refers to the layers of a family tree. When we talk about traditions passed down for hundreds of years, we use '世代' to emphasize the long, unbroken chain of ancestors and descendants.
Sociological Cohorts
In modern discourse, it identifies groups born in specific eras, such as the 'Z世代' (Generation Z) or the '年轻世代' (the younger generation). Here, it highlights shared cultural experiences and values.

这个传说是世代相传的。(This legend has been passed down from generation to generation.)

Understanding '世代' requires recognizing its dual focus on both the individual cohort and the process of continuity. When you use this word, you are often looking at a person not just as an individual, but as a representative of their time and lineage. In Chinese culture, where filial piety and ancestral respect are paramount, '世代' carries a weight of responsibility and heritage. It is frequently used in formal speeches, historical documentaries, and academic papers to discuss demographic shifts or the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Unlike the word '时代' (shídài), which focuses on a period of history or an era (like the 'Stone Age'), '世代' is inherently tied to the human element—the people who inhabit those times.

新的世代有着完全不同的价值观。(The new generation has completely different values.)

Historical Continuity
It is used to describe long-standing friendships or feuds between families, known as '世代交好' (friends for generations) or '世代为仇' (enemies for generations).

In a rapidly changing world, '世代' also appears in discussions about the 'generation gap' (世代隔阂). This gap isn't just about age; it's about the technological and social chasm that separates those who grew up before the internet and those who have never known life without it. Therefore, when a Chinese speaker uses '世代', they are often invoking a sense of scale—measuring time not in years, but in human lives. Whether discussing the 'lost generation' of the 20th century or the 'digital natives' of the 21st, '世代' serves as the linguistic bridge connecting the past, present, and future.

他们家世代务农。(Their family has been farming for generations.)

Using 世代 (shìdài) correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. While primarily a noun, it often functions as an adverbial modifier when combined with other words, or as a specific classifier for groups of people. Let's explore the various syntactic structures where '世代' typically appears.

As a Simple Noun
In its most basic form, it acts as the subject or object of a sentence. For example: '世代在更替' (Generations are changing/replacing one another). Here, it represents the collective group of people born in a certain time frame.
In Compound Phrases
It is frequently paired with adjectives to define a specific cohort. Common examples include '年轻世代' (younger generation), '老一世代' (older generation), or 'Z世代' (Gen Z). These phrases function as noun phrases that can be modified by possessives like '我们的世代' (our generation).

我们必须为下一世代保护环境。(We must protect the environment for the next generation.)

One of the most common ways to use '世代' is in the four-character idiom (chengyu) 世代相传 (shìdài xiāngchuán). This means 'passed down from generation to generation'. In this structure, '世代' acts as a temporal adverbial, indicating the duration and frequency of the action. It implies that the passing down isn't just a one-time event but a continuous process spanning many lives.

这些传统在农村地区世代相传。(These traditions are passed down for generations in rural areas.)

The '世代 + Noun' Pattern
Sometimes '世代' is used to describe a relationship or a state that persists through time. '世代友好' (friendly for generations) describes a long-term diplomatic or personal relationship. In this case, '世代' functions almost like an adjective describing the depth and history of the friendship.

When discussing the differences between age groups, you will see '世代' used with terms like '隔阂' (gap/barrier) or '差异' (difference). For instance, '世代之间的差异' (the differences between generations). This is a formal way to discuss social psychology or marketing trends. In summary, '世代' is a versatile building block for describing the human experience across the dimension of time, whether you are talking about family heritage, social change, or historical continuity.

这个家族世代居住在这个小镇上。(This family has lived in this small town for generations.)

The word 世代 (shìdài) resonates through various spheres of Chinese life, from the solemnity of ancestral halls to the fast-paced world of digital marketing. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its emotional and professional resonance. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which Chinese society views time and legacy.

Family Gatherings and Genealogy
During the Lunar New Year or Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival), elders might talk about '世代相传的家训' (family mottos passed down for generations). Here, the word evokes a sense of pride and continuity. You might hear it when a grandfather shows a family tree (jiapu) to his grandson, emphasizing their place in the long '世代' of their clan.
News and Social Media
In media, '世代' is the standard term for demographic analysis. You will frequently see headlines like 'Z世代的消费习惯' (The consumption habits of Gen Z) or '如何跨越世代隔阂' (How to bridge the generation gap). It is the language of sociologists and trend-watchers.

这部纪录片讲述了那个世代的故事。(This documentary tells the story of that generation.)

In political and environmental discourse, '世代' takes on a moral dimension. Leaders often speak of '为了子孙后代和未来世代' (for our descendants and future generations). This usage highlights a collective responsibility that transcends the current moment. It is a call to action to protect resources and culture so that the '世代' to come can enjoy them. Similarly, in history documentaries, '世代' is used to describe the rise and fall of dynasties or the long-term migration of ethnic groups across the Chinese landscape.

我们要把这种精神世代发扬光大。(We must carry forward this spirit for generations to come.)

Lastly, you will encounter '世代' in the world of craftsmanship and traditional arts. A master tea maker or a silk weaver might describe their technique as '世代秘传' (secretly passed down for generations). This adds a layer of authenticity and value to their work, suggesting that the skill has been refined and perfected over a vast period of time. In these contexts, '世代' is synonymous with quality and historical depth.

Pop Culture and Literature
Novels and movies about family sagas often use '世代' in their titles or descriptions to indicate the epic scale of the story. It tells the audience that the plot will cover many years and many different characters within a single lineage.

网络世代更倾向于在线社交。(The internet generation is more inclined toward online socializing.)

For learners of Chinese, the most frequent pitfall when using 世代 (shìdài) is confusing it with its close linguistic cousin, 时代 (shídài). While they look similar and both relate to time, their meanings and applications are distinct. Misusing them can make your Chinese sound unnatural or even change the meaning of your sentence entirely.

世代 vs. 时代

世代 (shìdài): Focuses on the people and the succession. It is about biological or demographic cohorts. (e.g., 'the younger generation').

时代 (shídài): Focuses on the period or the environment. It is about a historical era or a stage of development. (e.g., 'the digital age').

Mistake: 我们生活在一个快速变化的世代。(Incorrect)
Correction: 我们生活在一个快速变化的时代。(Correct - We live in a fast-changing era.)

Another common error is using '世代' when you actually mean '后代' (hòudài - descendants). Remember that '世代' is a collective noun for a group of people in a specific time frame, while '后代' specifically refers to the offspring of a particular ancestor. If you want to say 'for the sake of my children and grandchildren', you should use '为了我的后代', not '为了我的世代'.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the placement of '世代' in idioms. For example, in '世代相传', the word '世代' must come first. You cannot say '相传世代'. This is a fixed structure. Furthermore, while '世代' can mean 'for generations', it is usually used in a positive or neutral context. If you are trying to say 'for a long time' in a general sense, words like '很久' (hěnjiǔ) or '长期' (chángqī) are often more appropriate unless you specifically mean the passing of time through family lineages.

Mistake: 这个药他吃了世代。(Incorrect - He's been taking this medicine for generations? Nonsense.)
Correction: 这个药他吃了很久。(Correct - He's been taking this medicine for a long time.)

Finally, be careful with the word '代' (dài) on its own. While '代' can also mean generation (e.g., '三代人' - three generations of people), '世代' is more formal and often implies a larger, more abstract scale. Use '代' for counting and specific family counts, and '世代' for broader cultural or historical discussions.

To truly master 世代 (shìdài), it is helpful to compare it with other Chinese words that occupy the same semantic space. Depending on your focus—whether it's biology, history, or social groups—different words might be more precise.

世代 vs. 时代 (shídài)
As discussed, 时代 refers to a period of time characterized by certain events or conditions (e.g., '和平时代' - era of peace). 世代 refers to the people of that time or the succession of people.
世代 vs. 辈 (bèi)
The word is used primarily for seniority within a family or a professional hierarchy. For example, '长辈' (elders) and '晚辈' (juniors). While '世代' looks at the whole cohort, '辈' looks at the relative position of people to one another.
世代 vs. 后代 (hòudài)
后代 specifically means descendants or offspring. It is more narrow than '世代'. You can say '为了后代的幸福' (for the happiness of our descendants).

Comparison: 这不仅是一个时代的终结,也是一个世代的谢幕。(This is not just the end of an era, but also the curtain call for a generation.)

Other alternatives include 一代 (yīdài), which is commonly used to refer to a single generation in a more casual way (e.g., '我们这一代' - our generation). If you are looking for a very formal or literary term for descendants, you might use 子孙 (zǐsūn). In the context of technology or product versions, 代 (dài) is the standard classifier (e.g., '第五代战机' - fifth-generation fighter jet). Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the time period, the family hierarchy, the specific descendants, or the broad human cohort.

这些世代居住的土地充满了历史感。(The land where these generations have lived is full of history.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In ancient China, '世' was also used to avoid the name of Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin), leading to many instances where '世' was replaced by '代' or other characters in historical texts!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ʃiː daɪ/
US /ʃiː daɪ/
Both syllables are stressed equally as they both carry the 4th tone.
Reimt sich auf
现代 (xiàndài) 替代 (tìdài) 交代 (jiāodài) 后代 (hòudài) 交代 (jiāodài) 招待 (zhāodài) 带 (dài) 待 (dài)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'shì' like 'shi' in 'ship' (it should be a retroflex sound).
  • Using the wrong tones (e.g., 1st tone 'shī' or 2nd tone 'shí').
  • Confusing 'dài' with 'tai'.
  • Failing to make the tones distinct and falling.
  • Mumbling the 'sh' sound without curling the tongue slightly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The characters are relatively simple, but the abstract meaning requires context.

Schreiben 4/5

Writing '世' and '代' correctly is easy, but using them in complex idioms takes practice.

Sprechen 3/5

The 4th-4th tone combination requires strong emphasis.

Hören 3/5

Can be confused with '时代' (shídài) if the tones aren't clear.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

世界 时间

Als Nächstes lernen

时代 传承 隔阂 后代 祖先

Fortgeschritten

嬗递 更迭 潜意识 契约 断层

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun as Adverbial Modifier

他家【世代】务农。(His family has farmed for generations.)

Possessive with '的'

【年轻世代的】习惯。(Habits of the younger generation.)

Fixed Idiom Structure

【世代相传】不能说成'相传世代'。

Counting Generations with '代'

我们家已经搬了【三代】了。(Our family has moved for three generations.)

Specifying with '这' or '那'

【这个世代】的人。(People of this generation.)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

这个世代的人喜欢用手机。

People of this generation like to use mobile phones.

世代 (noun) + 的 (possessive) + 人 (people)

2

下一世代会更好。

The next generation will be better.

下一世代 (noun phrase) as the subject.

3

我们是年轻的世代。

We are the young generation.

年轻的 (adjective) + 世代 (noun).

4

我的世代有很多机会。

My generation has many opportunities.

我的 (possessive) + 世代 (noun).

5

这是老一世代的故事。

This is a story of the older generation.

老一世代 (noun phrase) meaning 'the older generation'.

6

那个世代的人很努力。

The people of that generation were very hardworking.

那个世代 (noun phrase) as a modifier.

7

不同的世代有不同的爱好。

Different generations have different hobbies.

不同的世代 (plural sense) as the subject.

8

这个世代变化很快。

This generation is changing very fast.

世代 (noun) as the subject of the change.

1

这个手艺是世代相传的。

This craft is passed down for generations.

世代相传 (idiom) used as a predicate.

2

两家世代交好。

The two families have been on good terms for generations.

世代 (adverbial) + 交好 (verb phrase).

3

我们应该为下一世代省水。

We should save water for the next generation.

为 (for) + 下一世代 (noun phrase).

4

这一世代的年轻人很有创意。

Young people of this generation are very creative.

这一世代的 (possessive) + 年轻人 (noun).

5

这就是所谓的世代隔阂。

This is the so-called generation gap.

世代隔阂 (noun phrase) meaning 'generation gap'.

6

他们家世代都在这里种地。

Their family has been farming here for generations.

世代 (adverbial) + 都在 (always at) + verb.

7

每个世代都有自己的英雄。

Every generation has its own heroes.

每个世代 (every generation) as the subject.

8

这个品牌深受年轻世代欢迎。

This brand is very popular among the younger generation.

年轻世代 (noun phrase) as the object of 'welcome'.

1

社交媒体深刻影响了Z世代。

Social media has deeply influenced Generation Z.

Z世代 (Gen Z) as a specific demographic object.

2

世代之间的差异是不可避免的。

Differences between generations are inevitable.

世代之间 (between generations) + 的 (possessive) + 差异 (differences).

3

我们必须关注世代公平的问题。

We must pay attention to the issue of intergenerational equity.

世代公平 (intergenerational equity) as a compound noun.

4

互联网催生了全新的世代文化。

The internet has given birth to a completely new generational culture.

世代文化 (generational culture) as the object.

5

这种价值观已经延续了多个世代。

This value has lasted for several generations.

多个世代 (multiple generations) as a measure of time.

6

新世代的消费观正在改变市场。

The consumption views of the new generation are changing the market.

新世代的 (possessive) + 消费观 (consumption views).

7

他致力于缩小世代隔阂。

He is dedicated to narrowing the generation gap.

缩小 (narrow) + 世代隔阂 (generation gap).

8

这部电影引起了不同世代的共鸣。

This movie resonated with different generations.

不同世代 (different generations) as the object of 'resonance'.

1

世代更替是社会进步的动力之一。

Generational turnover is one of the driving forces of social progress.

世代更替 (generational turnover) as the subject.

2

历史的记忆需要通过世代传承来保留。

Historical memory needs to be preserved through generational inheritance.

世代传承 (generational inheritance) as the means (通过).

3

该研究探讨了世代间的财富转移。

The study explores the transfer of wealth between generations.

世代间 (between generations) + 的 (possessive) + 财富转移 (wealth transfer).

4

这种植物在这一地区已经世代生存。

This plant has survived in this region for generations.

世代 (adverbial) + 生存 (verb).

5

我们不能透支未来世代的资源。

We cannot overdraw the resources of future generations.

未来世代 (future generations) as the possessor of resources.

6

世代差异往往体现在对技术的态度上。

Generational differences are often reflected in attitudes toward technology.

体现在...上 (reflected in...).

7

他出生于一个世代为医的家庭。

He was born into a family that has been doctors for generations.

世代为医 (doctors for generations) as a modifying phrase.

8

全球化对不同世代的影响各不相同。

The impact of globalization on different generations varies.

对...的影响 (impact on...).

1

世代创伤的影响可能会持续数百年。

The effects of intergenerational trauma can last for centuries.

世代创伤 (intergenerational trauma) as a complex psychological term.

2

文化认同在世代演变中不断重塑。

Cultural identity is constantly reshaped during generational evolution.

世代演变 (generational evolution) as the context of change.

3

我们需要构建一个世代友好的社会环境。

We need to build an intergenerationally friendly social environment.

世代友好 (intergenerationally friendly) as an adjective for 'environment'.

4

这种艺术形式在世代交替中焕发了新生。

This art form has found new life through the succession of generations.

世代交替 (succession of generations) as the cause of renewal.

5

世代契约是社会保障体系的基石。

The intergenerational contract is the cornerstone of the social security system.

世代契约 (intergenerational contract) as a formal political/economic term.

6

文学作品往往折射出特定世代的集体潜意识。

Literary works often reflect the collective unconscious of a specific generation.

特定世代 (specific generation) + 的 (possessive) + 集体潜意识.

7

该政策旨在促进世代间的知识流动。

The policy aims to promote the flow of knowledge between generations.

世代间 (between generations) + 的 (possessive) + 知识流动.

8

世代更迭不可避免地带来观念的碰撞。

The succession of generations inevitably brings a clash of ideas.

世代更迭 (succession/replacement of generations) as the subject.

1

这种历史叙事在世代嬗递中逐渐模糊。

This historical narrative has gradually blurred through the transition of generations.

世代嬗递 (shàndì - transition/succession) is a highly literary term.

2

人类文明的进步本质上是世代智慧的累积。

The progress of human civilization is essentially the accumulation of generational wisdom.

世代智慧 (generational wisdom) as a profound abstract concept.

3

我们要警惕世代贫困的陷阱。

We must be wary of the trap of intergenerational poverty.

世代贫困 (intergenerational poverty) as a socio-economic term.

4

世代更替的律动构成了历史的宏大篇章。

The rhythm of generational turnover constitutes the grand chapters of history.

世代更替的律动 (rhythm of generational turnover) as a poetic subject.

5

该学说探讨了世代意识形态的断层现象。

The theory explores the phenomenon of generational ideological fault lines.

世代意识形态 (generational ideology) + 断层现象 (fault line phenomenon).

6

家族的荣光在世代交迭中得以永存。

The glory of the family is immortalized through the overlapping of generations.

世代交迭 (overlapping/succession of generations) in a formal context.

7

这种审美取向具有鲜明的世代特征。

This aesthetic preference has distinct generational characteristics.

世代特征 (generational characteristics) as a formal attribute.

8

世代传承不仅是血缘的延续,更是灵魂的共振。

Generational inheritance is not just the continuation of bloodlines, but the resonance of souls.

不仅是...更是... (not only... but even more...).

Häufige Kollokationen

世代相传
年轻世代
下一世代
世代隔阂
世代交好
Z世代
世代居住
世代差异
未来世代
世代更替

Häufige Phrasen

老一世代

— The older generation. Usually refers to people of one's parents' or grandparents' age.

老一世代的人生活比较节俭。

黄金世代

— Golden generation. Refers to a group of exceptionally talented people born in the same period.

那是中国女排的黄金世代。

迷失的世代

— The Lost Generation. A term used to describe the generation that came of age during WWI.

海明威是迷失的世代的代表作家。

数字世代

— Digital generation. People who grew up with digital technology.

数字世代对信息的获取非常快。

世代友好

— Friendly for generations. Often used in diplomacy between countries.

中日两国应该世代友好下去。

跨世代

— Cross-generational. Something that appeals to or involves multiple generations.

这是一部跨世代的经典作品。

世代传承

— Generational inheritance/succession. The act of passing down culture or wealth.

家族企业的成功依赖于世代传承。

世代为敌

— Enemies for generations. A long-standing feud between families or groups.

这两个部落曾经世代为敌。

世代书香

— A family of scholars for generations. Used to describe a highly educated family.

他出生于世代书香之家。

世代功勋

— Merits achieved over generations. High achievements by a family over time.

这个家族拥有世代功勋。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

世代 vs 时代 (shídài)

時代 refers to an era or a historical period (e.g., the Stone Age), while 世代 refers to the people/generations.

世代 vs 后代 (hòudài)

後代 refers specifically to one's descendants or offspring, whereas 世代 is a broader term for a cohort.

世代 vs 辈 (bèi)

輩 refers to the rank or seniority within a family (e.g., elders vs. juniors).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"世代相传"

— Passed down from generation to generation. It emphasizes the continuity of traditions or skills.

这种酿酒技术在村里世代相传。

Common
"子孙世代"

— Children and grandchildren through the ages. Refers to all future descendants.

我们要为子孙世代造福。

Formal
"世代交替"

— The alternation or succession of generations. Often refers to the natural replacement of the old by the new.

随着世代交替,社会观念也在变。

Neutral
"世代书香"

— A lineage of scholars. Describes a family with a long tradition of education and literary achievement.

他出身世代书香,谈吐不凡。

Literary
"世代为仇"

— To be enemies for generations. A deep-seated, historical conflict between groups.

在小说中,这两个家族世代为仇。

Literary
"世代公卿"

— A family that has produced high-ranking officials for generations.

在古代,世代公卿的地位非常显赫。

Historical
"世代务农"

— A family that has been farmers for generations.

他们家世代务农,对土地很有感情。

Neutral
"世代友好"

— Long-standing friendship between families or nations across generations.

愿两国人民世代友好。

Formal
"世代忠良"

— A family that has been loyal and virtuous for generations, often in service to the state.

杨家将是著名的世代忠良。

Historical
"世代簪缨"

— An extremely high-ranking and wealthy family for generations (literary).

贾府曾是世代簪缨之家。

Classical

Leicht verwechselbar

世代 vs 时代

Both relate to time and sound similar.

时代 is about the 'when' (the period), while 世代 is about the 'who' (the people). You live in an '时代', but you belong to a '世代'.

我们生活在信息时代,是数字世代的一员。

世代 vs 后代

Both can refer to people coming after you.

后代 is biological (your kids). 世代 is a general group of people born in the same period.

我们要为后代留下资源,让未来的世代生活得更好。

世代 vs

It's a component of 世代.

代 is a classifier or a general term for generation. 世代 is a more formal noun or adverbial phrase.

他家三代都当兵,这是世代相传的荣誉。

世代 vs 辈分

Related to family levels.

辈分 is your specific rank (e.g., uncle, nephew). 世代 is the collective group.

虽然他年纪小,但辈分很高,属于老一世代的人。

世代 vs 当代

Contains '代'.

当代 means 'contemporary' or 'present day'. 世代 implies a sequence of generations.

当代的年轻人是新世代的代表。

Satzmuster

A2

...是世代相传的。

这个故事是世代相传的。

A2

年轻世代...

年轻世代喜欢尝试新鲜事物。

B1

...之间的世代隔阂。

我们要解决父母和孩子之间的世代隔阂。

B1

为下一世代...

我们必须为下一世代保护森林。

B2

世代居住在...

他们家世代居住在南方的海边。

B2

世代交好/为仇

这两个国家已经世代交好。

C1

世代更替/更迭

世代更替带来了新的思维方式。

C2

世代嬗递/交迭

文化的精髓在世代嬗递中得以保留。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

世界 (shìjiè - world)
世纪 (shìjì - century)
后代 (hòudài - descendant)
代表 (dàibiǎo - representative)
代价 (dàijià - price/cost)

Verben

代替 (dàitì - to replace)
代理 (dàilǐ - to act as agent)
传承 (chuánchéng - to pass on)

Adjektive

世俗 (shìsú - worldly)
代用的 (dàiyòng de - substitute)

Verwandt

辈分
祖先
子孙
血脉
传承

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in media, history, and formal social discussions.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using '世代' to mean 'historical era'. 时代 (shídài)

    You cannot say '恐龙世代' for the Age of Dinosaurs. You must say '恐龙时代'. '世代' requires humans or biological succession.

  • Using '世代' to mean 'my children'. 后代 (hòudài)

    If you want to say 'I do this for my kids', use '后代'. '世代' is too broad and formal for just one's immediate offspring.

  • Saying '相传世代' instead of '世代相传'. 世代相传 (shìdài xiāngchuán)

    This is a fixed four-character idiom. The word order cannot be changed.

  • Confusing the tones of '世代' (shìdài) with '时代' (shídài). 世代 (shì4 dài4), 时代 (shí2 dài4)

    The first syllable of '世代' is 4th tone (falling), while '时代' is 2nd tone (rising). This is a very common listening/speaking error.

  • Using '世代' for a very short period of time. 一段时间 (yī duàn shíjiān)

    A '世代' usually implies at least 20-30 years. Don't use it for something that only lasted a few years.

Tipps

Using '世代' as an Adverb

Remember that '世代' can come directly before a verb like '居住' (live) or '相传' (pass down) to mean 'for generations'. You don't always need a preposition.

世代 vs. 时代

If you are talking about people, use '世代'. If you are talking about an era or historical period, use '时代'. This is the most important distinction to master.

Family Honor

Using '世代' in a family context often implies a sense of pride and continuity. Words like '世代忠良' (loyal for generations) show how important lineage is in Chinese culture.

Tone Accuracy

Both characters in '世代' (shìdài) are 4th tone. Make them short and sharp. If you say them with a rising tone, people might not understand you.

Idiom Usage

Don't be afraid to use '世代相传'. It is a very high-frequency idiom that works in both formal and informal writing to describe anything old and cherished.

Contextual Clues

If you hear 'Z' or '年轻' before '世代', you know the speaker is talking about social demographics, not ancient family history.

Word Roots

Knowing that '世' originally meant 30 years helps you understand why it's used for generations. It's a measure of human time.

Bridging Gaps

When discussing '世代隔阂' (generation gap), use '理解' (understand) and '沟通' (communicate) to show you are looking for solutions.

Targeting

In a business context, '世代' is used to define target audiences. '新世代消费者' refers to the new generation of consumers.

Mental Image

Visualize a chain. Each link is a '世代'. The whole chain represents the '时代' it exists in. This helps separate the two concepts.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a world (世) where people are constantly being replaced (代) by their children every 30 years. That cycle is a 'generation' (世代).

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a family tree where each level represents a '世代'. See the baton of a relay race being passed from an old hand to a young hand.

Word Web

世代相传 年轻世代 世代隔阂 下一世代 Z世代 世代交替 世代友好 世代居住

Herausforderung

Try to use '世代' and '时代' in the same sentence to describe how your family has changed over the years.

Wortherkunft

The word '世代' is composed of two ancient Chinese characters. '世' (shì) originally depicted three '十' (ten) characters joined together, representing thirty years—the length of one generation. '代' (dài) consists of the 'person' radical and a phonetic component, meaning 'to replace' or 'to take turns'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning was the succession of people over thirty-year intervals.

Sino-Tibetan

Kultureller Kontext

Be mindful when discussing '世代隔阂' (generation gaps) with elders, as it can sometimes imply a lack of respect for traditional values.

In English, 'generation' is often used demographically (Baby Boomers, Gen X). In Chinese, '世代' is used similarly but carries a stronger sense of family continuity.

The term 'Z世代' (Generation Z) is ubiquitous in Chinese marketing and tech news. The idiom '世代相传' is used in the preamble of many cultural heritage documents. Family sagas like 'Four Generations Under One Roof' (四世同堂) by Lao She explore these themes.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Family Heritage

  • 世代相传
  • 世代务农
  • 世代书香
  • 家传世代

Social Analysis

  • 年轻世代
  • 世代隔阂
  • 世代差异
  • Z世代

Environmentalism

  • 下一世代
  • 未来世代
  • 世代公平
  • 为了子孙世代

History/Politics

  • 世代友好
  • 世代交替
  • 世代更迭
  • 历史世代

Technology

  • 第一世代
  • 数字世代
  • 跨世代产品
  • 新世代技术

Gesprächseinstiege

"你觉得我们这个世代最大的挑战是什么? (What do you think is the biggest challenge for our generation?)"

"你们家有什么世代相传的传统吗? (Does your family have any traditions passed down for generations?)"

"你觉得现在的年轻世代和以前有什么不同? (How do you think the current younger generation differs from before?)"

"如何才能有效缩小世代隔阂? (How can we effectively narrow the generation gap?)"

"你属于哪个世代?Z世代还是千禧世代? (Which generation do you belong to? Gen Z or Millennials?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

描述一个你认为属于你这个世代的独特特征。 (Describe a unique characteristic that you think belongs to your generation.)

写一封信给未来的世代,告诉他们现在的生活。 (Write a letter to future generations telling them about life now.)

反思你和父母之间的世代隔阂。你是如何处理的? (Reflect on the generation gap between you and your parents. How do you handle it?)

如果你能给下一世代留下一样东西,那会是什么?为什么? (If you could leave one thing for the next generation, what would it be and why?)

讨论科技是如何塑造你这个世代的价值观的。 (Discuss how technology has shaped the values of your generation.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, while it is often used for family lineage (like '世代相传'), it is also widely used in sociology to describe groups like 'Z世代' (Gen Z) or '年轻世代' (the younger generation) who share common cultural traits.

'一代' usually refers to a single generation (e.g., '这一代人'), while '世代' can refer to a single generation or, more commonly, multiple generations over time (e.g., '世代相传'). '世代' is more formal.

No, '世代' is a noun. However, it can function as an adverbial modifier in phrases like '世代居住' (living somewhere for generations).

It is moderately common. In casual talk, people might just say '我们这一代' or '年轻人'. '世代' appears more in news, books, and formal discussions about social trends.

You say 'Z世代' (Z shìdài). It is a very popular term in modern Chinese media and marketing.

It means 'generation gap'. It refers to the differences in opinions, values, and habits between people of different generations.

Yes, it can be. For example, '第一世代' can refer to the first generation of a product or technology, though '第X代' is more common for specific versions.

Not exactly 'forever', but it implies a very long time through the lens of human life. '世代友好' means being friends for generations, which suggests a permanent relationship.

There isn't a single direct antonym, but '瞬间' (instant) or '暂时' (temporary) contrast with its long-term nature. '断代' refers to a break in generational continuity.

You could say: '我们家世代都住在北京。' (My family has lived in Beijing for generations.) or '这是我们家世代相传的菜谱。' (This is a recipe passed down for generations in our family.)

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using '世代相传' to describe a family tradition.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'We must protect the earth for the next generation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence comparing two generations using '世代差异'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'This family has lived here for generations.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short paragraph about the challenges of the 'Z世代'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'There is a huge generation gap between my father and me.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain the difference between '世代' and '时代' in Chinese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '世代友好'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The younger generation loves new technology.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a '世代书香' family in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Generational turnover leads to social change.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '未来世代' in a sentence about climate change.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'This story is passed down for generations in my village.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '世代为仇'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The internet has changed this generation.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '跨世代' to describe a movie.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He belongs to the older generation.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using '世代更迭'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Is there a generation gap in your family?'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use '世代传承' in a sentence about art.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce '世代' (shìdài) correctly with 4th tones.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell a short story about a tradition that is '世代相传' in your family.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss the '世代隔阂' between you and your grandparents.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain why '未来世代' is important in the context of climate change.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Compare the '年轻世代' and '老一世代' in terms of technology use.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use the idiom '世代书香' in a formal introduction.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe the concept of '世代更替' in nature or society.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Give a speech about why we should maintain '世代友好' between nations.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about the characteristics of 'Z世代' in your country.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a place where your family has '世代居住'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Debate the pros and cons of '世代传承' in family businesses.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the difference between '世代' and '时代' orally.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss how '世代创伤' can affect a society.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use '跨世代' to describe a popular piece of culture (song/movie).

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe the '世代差异' in food preferences in your family.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss the role of '世代公平' in government policy.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about a '黄金世代' in sports that you admire.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell a story about two families who were '世代为仇' but became friends.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the phrase '传宗接代' using the word '世代'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss the '数字世代' and their impact on the future workforce.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '这个传统世代相传。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '年轻世代喜欢新科技。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and decide: Is the speaker talking about people or an era? '我们正在进入信息时代。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '我们要为下一世代省水。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '世代隔阂很难跨越。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '他们家世代居住在山里。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Z世代是未来的希望。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '两国人民应当世代友好。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '世代更替是自然规律。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '这是世代书香之家。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '世代差异导致了矛盾。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '我们要关注世代公平。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '世代创伤影响深远。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '这是跨世代的经典。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify: '世代演进中不断完善。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

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