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近代 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
近代jìndàithe not-very-distant pastHSK 5, t, 12 strokes, rank #32045, Hard
近代jìndàimodern times, excluding recent decadesHSK 5, t, 12 strokes, rank #32045, Hard
近代jìndài(in the context of Chinese history) the period from the Opium Wars until the May 4th Movement (mid-19th century to 1919)HSK 5, t, 12 strokes, rank #32045, Hard
近代jìndàicapitalist times (pre-1949)HSK 5, t, 12 strokes, rank #32045, Hard
jìndài(jin4dai4)jin dai T4
  1. 1the not-very-distant past
  2. 2modern times, excluding recent decades
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March 24, 2026

近代jìndài(jin4dai4)

近代 refers to a historical period that encompasses the not-so-distant past, particularly in the context of Chinese history. This term typically describes the time from the mid-19th century, starting with the Opium Wars, up until the May 4th Movement in 1919, marking a transition in Chinese society leading to modernity. It is often used when discussing social, political, and economic changes that occurred during this era.

Strokes12Frequency#32045DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The term 近代 is crucial in understanding China's transition from imperial rule to modern governance, particularly during the tumultuous events like the Opium Wars and the May 4th Movement, which played a significant role in shaping modern Chinese nationalism.

Memory Tip

Imagine the character 近 (jìn), which means 'close', as representing the 'near' past. The character 代 (dài) suggests 'generation' or 'era.' Visualize a timeline with '近' marking the period just before today, showcasing significant events that shaped the modern era, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 近代

jìndài(jin4dai4)
1the not-very-distant past
2modern times, excluding recent decades
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 近代

近代Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#32045Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRB1

Podcast: 近代

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Podcast: 近代

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AI Study Notes for 近代

Quick Contrast

现代 (xiàndài, modern) refers to the contemporary period following 近代, emphasizing more recent developments and current societal norms.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 近代 with 现代 (xiàndài), which refers to modern times or contemporary era, as 近代 specifically denotes a historical period. This term is typically used in formal historical discussions and academic contexts, so it may not be appropriate in casual conversations. Common collocations include 近代史 (modern history) and 近代文学 (modern literature).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 vocabulary word, 近代 connects well with other historical terms and contexts. Students should focus on its historical implications and be able to relate it to significant events and figures from that era. Understanding this term will enhance comprehension of discussions about China's transformation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 近代 with 现代, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我喜欢近代文学' (I like modern literature) is incorrect if referring to contemporary literature; it should be '我喜欢现代文学'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 近代

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Component Characters

近jìnnear
HSK 27 strokes辶
View full entry
代dàito substitute
HSK 55 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say the not-very-distant past in Chinese

“the not-very-distant past” in Chinese is近代jìndài

近代 refers to a historical period that encompasses the not-so-distant past, particularly in the context of Chinese history. This term typically describes the time from the mid-19th century, starting with the Opium Wars, up until the May 4th Movement in 1919, marking a transition in Chinese society leading to modernity. It is often used when discussing social, political, and economic changes that occurred during this era.

When to use 近代

Be cautious not to confuse 近代 with 现代 (xiàndài), which refers to modern times or contemporary era, as 近代 specifically denotes a historical period. This term is typically used in formal historical discussions and academic contexts, so it may not be appropriate in casual conversations. Common collocations include 近代史 (modern history) and 近代文学 (modern literature).

近代 or something close to it

现代 (xiàndài, modern) refers to the contemporary period following 近代, emphasizing more recent developments and current societal norms.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 近代 with 现代, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我喜欢近代文学' (I like modern literature) is incorrect if referring to contemporary literature; it should be '我喜欢现代文学'.

Write 近代

近
代

Practice writing 近代 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 近代

近代 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这在黎巴嫩的____史上是个特别困难的时期。

This had been a particularly difficult chapter in Lebanon's recent history.

Example Sentences for 近代 (1)

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1
这在黎巴嫩的近代史上是个特别困难的时期。

zhè zài lí bā nèn de jìn dài shǐ shàng shì gè tè bié kùn nán de shí qī。

This had been a particularly difficult chapter in Lebanon's recent history.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 近代

近代 generally refers to the time from the mid-19th century, starting with the Opium Wars, to the May 4th Movement in 1919.

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