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后代 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
后代hòudàiposterityHSK 6, t, 11 strokes, rank #6963, Hard
后代hòudàilater periodsHSK 6, t, 11 strokes, rank #6963, Hard
后代hòudàilater agesHSK 6, t, 11 strokes, rank #6963, Hard
后代hòudàilater generationsHSK 6, t, 11 strokes, rank #6963, Hard
hòudài(hou4dai4)hou dai T4
  1. 1posterity
  2. 2later periods
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March 24, 2026

后代(後代)hòudài(hou4dai4)

后代 refers to future generations or descendants. It commonly signifies the offspring of a particular lineage, representing continuity in families or communities. The term is used in various contexts, such as discussing cultural heritage or the impact of actions on future generations.

Strokes11Frequency#6963DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 后代 is deeply connected to filial piety and the importance of ancestry. Families often emphasize the legacy they leave for their descendants, reflecting the significance of continuity in traditional values.

Memory Tip

Imagine a family tree extending into the future, with branches labeled with the word '后代' (hòu dài). The character '后' (hòu) looks like a person standing behind, symbolizing those who come after, while '代' (dài) resembles a stage or podium where future generations will make their mark.

Meanings of 后代

hòudài(hou4dai4)
1posterity
2later periods
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 后代

后代Simplified
後代Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#6963Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 后代

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AI Study Notes for 后代

Quick Contrast

后裔 (hòuyì) - use 后代 for a broader reference to future generations, while 后裔 specifically emphasizes direct descendants.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 后代 with 代替 (dài tì), which means to replace. The term is more formal and often used in discussions about cultural or historical legacies. When using it, ensure the context is appropriate to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 term, 后代 connects well with other words related to time and lineage, such as 祖先 (zǔ xiān - ancestors) and 时代 (shí dài - era). Students should focus on understanding the nuances of lineage and generational discussions in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 后代 to refer to a specific individual, as in '我的后代' (wǒ de hòu dài - my descendant), which sounds awkward. Instead, use '我的子孙' (wǒ de zǐ sūn - my offspring).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 后代

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Component Characters

后hòuempress
HSK 16 strokes口
View full entry
代dàito substitute
HSK 55 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say posterity in Chinese

“posterity” in Chinese is后代hòudài

后代 refers to future generations or descendants. It commonly signifies the offspring of a particular lineage, representing continuity in families or communities. The term is used in various contexts, such as discussing cultural heritage or the impact of actions on future generations.

When to use 后代

Be careful not to confuse 后代 with 代替 (dài tì), which means to replace. The term is more formal and often used in discussions about cultural or historical legacies. When using it, ensure the context is appropriate to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

后代 or something close to it

后裔 (hòuyì) - use 后代 for a broader reference to future generations, while 后裔 specifically emphasizes direct descendants.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 后代 to refer to a specific individual, as in '我的后代' (wǒ de hòu dài - my descendant), which sounds awkward. Instead, use '我的子孙' (wǒ de zǐ sūn - my offspring).

Write 后代

后
代

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

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Grammar Patterns of 后代

后代 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 5

Fill the gap

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

摄影师用摄像机为____记录下了这个场景。

A photographer recorded the scene on video for posterity.

Example Sentences for 后代 (4)

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1
摄影师用摄像机为后代记录下了这个场景。

shè yǐng shī yòng shè xiàng jī wéi hòu dài jì lù xià le zhè gè cháng jǐng。

A photographer recorded the scene on video for posterity.
2
当然,并不是所有的酗酒者和吸毒者都会生育出不正常的后代。

dāng rán, , bìng bù shì suǒ yǒu de xù jiǔ zhě hé xī dú zhě dū huì shēng yù chū bù zhèng cháng de hòu。

Of course, not all alcoholics and drug abusers produce deviant offspring.
3
母马容忍后代粗暴和野蛮的程度教人意外.

mǔ mǎ róng rěn hòu dài cū bào hé yě mán de chéng dù jiào rén yì wài.

Mares are surprisingly tolerant of the roughness and rudeness of their own offspring.
4
后代把这个案子翻了过来.

hòu dài bǎ zhè gè àn zǐ fān le guò lái.

The posterity reversed the verdict.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 后代

Yes, 后代 can refer to future generations in a broader sense, including cultural or ideological descendants.

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