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历代 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
历代lìdàisuccessive generationsHSK 7, n, 9 strokes, rank #40128, Very Hard
历代lìdàisuccessive dynastiesHSK 7, n, 9 strokes, rank #40128, Very Hard
历代lìdàipast dynastiesHSK 7, n, 9 strokes, rank #40128, Very Hard
lìdài(li4dai4)li dai T4
  1. 1successive generations
  2. 2successive dynasties
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March 24, 2026

历代(歷代)lìdài(li4dai4)

历代 (lìdài) refers to successive generations or dynasties throughout history. This term is often used in historical contexts to discuss the evolution of culture, governance, or significant events over time. It's commonly used in phrases that highlight the achievements or changes across different periods.

Strokes9Frequency#40128DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of '历代' is significant as it reflects the importance of historical continuity and the influence of past dynasties on modern society. Festivals, traditions, and even government policies often reference the legacies of '历代' rulers.

Memory tip

Imagine a timeline where each '代' (dài) stands for a different dynasty. Each '历' (lì) represents the journey through time. Picture a historian walking along this timeline, noting the changes and developments from one '代' to the next, emphasizing the continuity and connection of history.

Meanings of 历代

lìdài(li4dai4)
1successive generations
2successive dynasties
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About 历代

历代Simplified
歷代Traditional
9Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#40128Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 历代

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AI study notes for 历代

Quick Contrast

历朝 (lìcháo) — use 历代 for a broader reference to all generations, while 历朝 specifically refers to successive dynasties.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '历代' with '历程' (lìchéng), which refers to the process rather than the generations themselves. This term is more formal and is typically used in written contexts, such as academic papers or historical documentaries. Common collocations include '历代文化' (cultural achievements of past dynasties) and '历代统治者' (rulers of successive dynasties).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, '历代' connects well with other historical terms like '历史' (lìshǐ, history) and '朝代' (cháodài, dynasty). Students should focus on its usage in context, particularly in discussions about history and culture, to enhance comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse '历代' by applying it to contemporary contexts, saying something like '历代的科技' (technologies of successive generations), which sounds awkward. Instead, use '现代科技' (modern technology) for current contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 历代

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Component characters

历lìcalendar
HSK 34 strokes厂
View full entry
代dàito substitute
HSK 55 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say successive generations in Chinese

“successive generations” in Chinese is历代lìdài

历代 (lìdài) refers to successive generations or dynasties throughout history. This term is often used in historical contexts to discuss the evolution of culture, governance, or significant events over time. It's commonly used in phrases that highlight the achievements or changes across different periods.

When to use 历代

Be careful not to confuse '历代' with '历程' (lìchéng), which refers to the process rather than the generations themselves. This term is more formal and is typically used in written contexts, such as academic papers or historical documentaries. Common collocations include '历代文化' (cultural achievements of past dynasties) and '历代统治者' (rulers of successive dynasties).

历代 or something close to it

历朝 (lìcháo) — use 历代 for a broader reference to all generations, while 历朝 specifically refers to successive dynasties.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse '历代' by applying it to contemporary contexts, saying something like '历代的科技' (technologies of successive generations), which sounds awkward. Instead, use '现代科技' (modern technology) for current contexts.

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历
代

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Frequently asked questions about 历代

'历代' can be used in a sentence like: "在中国的历代中,许多朝代对文化产生了深远的影响。" (Throughout China's successive dynasties, many dynasties had a profound impact on culture.)

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