An era refers to a significant and distinct period of time in history.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A long historical period with distinct features.
- Used for historical, technological, or social eras.
- Implies unique characteristics and developments.
Overview
“时代” (shídài) 是一个表示时间长度和特征的词语。它不像“天”或“月”那样是具体的、短时间段的单位，而是指一个更宏观、更长久的历史时期。每个时代都有其独特的标志性事件、思想、文化、科技发展和社会结构，这些共同构成了该时代的特色。
“时代”常用于描述历史进程、社会变迁、科技进步或文化演变。它可以单独使用，也可以与形容词或名词组合，来具体指明是哪一种时代。例如，“信息时代”、“和平时代”、“黄金时代”。在口语和书面语中都很常用。
个人经历：如“我童年那个时代的生活条件很艰苦。”
与“时期” (shíqī) 相比，“时代”更强调该时间段的独特性和代表性特征。一个“时期”可以是一个相对笼统的时间段，而“时代”则通常包含更明确的社会或历史印记。例如，“文艺复兴时期”可以称为一个“时代”，因为它带来了深刻的文化和社会变革。
Examples
我们正处在一个快速发展的时代。
everydayWe are living in an era of rapid development.
文艺复兴是欧洲历史上一个辉煌的时代。
academicThe Renaissance was a brilliant era in European history.
我怀念我小时候那个朴素的时代。
informalI miss the simple times of my childhood.
工业革命开启了一个全新的时代。
formalThe Industrial Revolution ushered in a completely new age.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
新时代
New era
旧时代
Old era
一个时代
An era
Often Confused With
'年代' specifically refers to a decade (e.g., the 1980s) or a period of years, while '时代' refers to a broader historical epoch with distinct characteristics.
'时期' is a more general term for a period of time. '时代' implies a period with unique, defining features that set it apart from others.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '时代' is widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is suitable for formal discussions about history, technology, and society, as well as informal conversations reflecting on past times. Be mindful of the scale; '时代' denotes a significant period, not just a short duration.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '时代' with '年代'. Remember that '年代' usually refers to a specific decade (like '八十年代' - the eighties), whereas '时代' describes a larger epoch (like '信息时代' - the Information Age). Avoid using '时代' for very short, undefined periods.
Tips
Think Broadly About Time
Remember '时代' refers to a large span of time, not just a few years. Consider the defining characteristics of that period.
Distinguish from Shorter Timeframes
Avoid using '时代' for very short or undefined periods. Use words like '时候' (shíhou) or '时期' (shíqī) for more general or shorter durations.
Historical Significance
Understanding different '时代' helps grasp historical context and societal evolution. Many Chinese historical periods are named after dynasties or significant events.
Word Origin
The character '时' (shí) means time or hour, and '代' (dài) means generation or to replace. Together, '时代' signifies a succession of generations or a historical period marked by specific developments.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, understanding historical '时代' is crucial for appreciating the continuity and change within Chinese civilization. Concepts like the 'Warring States period' (战国时代) or the 'Republic of China era' (民国时代) are fundamental to understanding Chinese history and identity.
Memory Tip
Think of '时代' as a 'story' (事) that unfolds over a long 'time' (时). Each era has its own unique story and characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“时代”通常指一个具有鲜明特征的较长历史时期，如“信息时代”。而“年代”则更侧重于具体的时间段，如“上世纪八十年代”，通常指十年左右的时间。
“时代”可以用来描述历史、科技、社会、文化等各个方面，只要是具有一定长度和独特性的时间段都可以用“时代”来指代。
“时代”既可以用于正式场合，也可以用于日常交流。它的用法比较灵活，取决于具体的语境。
比如，我们可以说“我们正处在一个快速发展的时代”，这句话就指出了当前这个时期在发展速度上的独特性。
Test Yourself
我们生活在一个信息爆炸的 ______。
“信息爆炸”是当前这个宏观历史时期的显著特征，因此用“时代”最恰当。
“时代”主要指的是什么？
“时代”强调的是一段较长的、具有显著特征的历史时期，而不仅仅是十年或任何过去的时间。
组成句子：我们 / 变化 / 经历 / 很多 / 的 / 时代
这个句子结构完整，表达了“我们所处的这个时代”经历了许多变化的意思。
Score: /3
Summary
An era refers to a significant and distinct period of time in history.
- A long historical period with distinct features.
- Used for historical, technological, or social eras.
- Implies unique characteristics and developments.
Think Broadly About Time
Remember '时代' refers to a large span of time, not just a few years. Consider the defining characteristics of that period.
Distinguish from Shorter Timeframes
Avoid using '时代' for very short or undefined periods. Use words like '时候' (shíhou) or '时期' (shíqī) for more general or shorter durations.
Historical Significance
Understanding different '时代' helps grasp historical context and societal evolution. Many Chinese historical periods are named after dynasties or significant events.
Examples
4 of 4我们正处在一个快速发展的时代。
We are living in an era of rapid development.
文艺复兴是欧洲历史上一个辉煌的时代。
The Renaissance was a brilliant era in European history.
我怀念我小时候那个朴素的时代。
I miss the simple times of my childhood.
工业革命开启了一个全新的时代。
The Industrial Revolution ushered in a completely new age.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
