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划时代 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
划时代huàshídàiepoch-markingHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #37709, Very Hard
huàshídài(hua4shi2dai4)hua shi dai T4
  1. 1epoch-marking
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March 24, 2026

划时代(劃時代)huàshídài(hua4shi2dai4)

划时代 (huà shí dài) refers to something that marks or signifies a new era or epoch in history. It is often used to describe groundbreaking events, ideas, or inventions that have a significant impact on society or culture.

Strokes18Frequency#37709DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, significant events such as the invention of paper or the opening of the Silk Road are often referred to as 划时代 milestones, reflecting the importance placed on historical progress.

Memory tip

Imagine a painter (划 - huà) creating a bold, new line that divides the past and future. The line signifies the start of a new era (时代 - shí dài), making it easy to remember that this term represents epoch-making moments.

Meanings of 划时代

huàshídài(hua4shi2dai4)
1epoch-marking
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About 划时代

划时代Simplified
劃時代Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 划时代

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Podcast: 划时代

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AI Study Notes for 划时代

Quick Contrast

革命性 (gémìngxìng, revolutionary) — use 划时代 for broader, epoch-defining changes, while 革命性 emphasizes transformative, often radical shifts.

Usage Notes

This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions or historical analyses. Common collocations include 划时代的技术 (epoch-making technology) and 划时代的事件 (epoch-making events). Be careful with the pronunciation; the tones are crucial in conveying the correct meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While 划时代 may not correspond to a specific HSK level, it connects to more advanced vocabulary related to history and culture. Students should focus on understanding the context in which it is used and related terms like 时代 (shí dài) meaning 'era.'

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 划时代 with similar phrases like 重大事件 (zhòngdà shìjiàn), meaning 'major event.' Remember, 划时代 specifically indicates epoch-making significance, not just importance.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 划时代

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Component Characters

划huáto row
HSK 56 strokes刂
View full entry
时shío'clock
HSK 27 strokes日
View full entry
代dàito substitute
HSK 55 strokes亻
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How to say epoch-marking in Chinese

“epoch-marking” in Chinese is划时代huàshídài

划时代 (huà shí dài) refers to something that marks or signifies a new era or epoch in history. It is often used to describe groundbreaking events, ideas, or inventions that have a significant impact on society or culture.

When to use 划时代

This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic discussions or historical analyses. Common collocations include 划时代的技术 (epoch-making technology) and 划时代的事件 (epoch-making events). Be careful with the pronunciation; the tones are crucial in conveying the correct meaning.

划时代 or something close to it

革命性 (gémìngxìng, revolutionary) — use 划时代 for broader, epoch-defining changes, while 革命性 emphasizes transformative, often radical shifts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 划时代 with similar phrases like 重大事件 (zhòngdà shìjiàn), meaning 'major event.' Remember, 划时代 specifically indicates epoch-making significance, not just importance.

Write 划时代

划
时
代

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Frequently Asked Questions about 划时代

Yes, but it is more commonly used for significant historical events or innovations rather than personal milestones.

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