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时代 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
时代
shídài
Time, US weekly news magazine
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #1730, Hard
时代
shídài
age
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #1730, Hard
时代
shídài
era
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #1730, Hard
时代
shídài
epoch
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #1730, Hard
时代
shídài
period
HSK 5, n, 12 strokes, rank #1730, Hard
时代
shídài
period (in one's life)
HSK 5, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #1730, Hard
shídài(Shi2dai4)shi dai T2
1Time, US weekly news magazine
2age
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
时代(時代)shídài(Shi2dai4)
时代 (shídài) refers to a period or era characterized by particular events, developments, or cultural trends. It is commonly used in discussions about historical periods, social changes, or significant advancements in technology and society. The word can also refer to the modern age or a specific phase in someone's life.
Strokes12Frequency#1730DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In China, the concept of '时代' often relates to significant historical changes, such as the Cultural Revolution or the Opening-Up Policy, which are frequently discussed in educational settings and media.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant clock (representing 'time') with different eras represented by colorful gears. Each gear signifies a unique '时代' that contributes to the overall movement of history, reminding you that '时代' is all about time and transitions.
Meanings of 时代
shídài(Shi2dai4)
1Time, US weekly news magazine
2age
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 时代 means.
About 时代
时代Simplified
時代Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1730Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 时代
Podcast: 时代
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AI study notes for 时代
Quick Contrast
年代 (niándài) - use 时代 when emphasizing cultural or social characteristics of a period, while 年代 focuses more on the chronological aspect.
Usage Notes
Be mindful not to confuse 时代 with 时刻 (shíkè), which refers to a specific moment in time. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it is versatile. Common collocations include 现代 (xiàndài - modern age) and 历史时代 (lìshǐ shídài - historical era).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 时代 connects with themes of time and history, which are significant in this level. Focus on using it in context with other vocabulary related to culture and society to enhance understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 时代 with 时代 (shídài), which can also mean era but is less formal. For example, saying '我在这个时代学习' (Wǒ zài zhège shídài xuéxí) is correct, but using 时代 here may sound less appropriate in formal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 时代
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How to say Time, US weekly news magazine in Chinese
“Time, US weekly news magazine” in Chinese is时代shídài
时代 (shídài) refers to a period or era characterized by particular events, developments, or cultural trends. It is commonly used in discussions about historical periods, social changes, or significant advancements in technology and society. The word can also refer to the modern age or a specific phase in someone's life.
When to use 时代
Be mindful not to confuse 时代 with 时刻 (shíkè), which refers to a specific moment in time. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it is versatile. Common collocations include 现代 (xiàndài - modern age) and 历史时代 (lìshǐ shídài - historical era).
时代 or something close to it
年代 (niándài) - use 时代 when emphasizing cultural or social characteristics of a period, while 年代 focuses more on the chronological aspect.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 时代 with 时代 (shídài), which can also mean era but is less formal. For example, saying '我在这个时代学习' (Wǒ zài zhège shídài xuéxí) is correct, but using 时代 here may sound less appropriate in formal contexts.
Write 时代
时
代
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Grammar patterns of 时代
时代 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这个团体与叙利亚的关系可以追溯到《圣经》____。
The community's links with Syria date back to biblical times.
The cover of Time magazine is often influential and can attract public attention.
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Cultural Notes for 时代
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While 'era' is a common term in English, in Chinese, it often carries connotations of cultural significance and societal transformation that may not always be emphasized in Western contexts.
Frequently asked questions about 时代
You can say, '我们生活在一个快速变化的时代' (Wǒmen shēnghuó zài yīgè kuàisù biànhuà de shídài), meaning 'We live in a rapidly changing era.'
No, 时代 can also refer to contemporary periods or phases in personal life, such as '青春时代' (qīngchūn shídài - youth era).
In Chinese, the concept of plurality is not always indicated, so you would say '时代' regardless of number.
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