代

• Pinyin: dài
• Hanzi breakdown: 代 = 亻(person) + 弋 (to shoot/change)

Meaning

Generation; era; to represent; to substitute for. A versatile word used for both time periods and acting on behalf of someone.

As a noun, refers to a generation or historical era. As a verb, means to act on behalf of or substitute for someone. Appears in many compounds like 现代 (modern), 古代 (ancient), 代替 (replace), and 代表 (represent).

Examples

1. 每一代人都有自己的想法和生活方式。 Every generation has its own ideas and way of life.
2. 请你代我向她问好。 Please say hello to her for me.
3. 这座建筑已经有三代人住过了。 Three generations of people have lived in this building.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, formal, historical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 年轻一代更喜欢用手机。(The younger generation prefers using smartphones.)
• 你能代我去开会吗？(Can you attend the meeting on my behalf?)

Don't Say

• 我代了一个新手机 (Don't use 代 alone to mean 'replace an object' — use 换 for swapping items; 代 is for people representing or substituting for others)

Origin & History

The character 代 combines 亻(person) and 弋 (to shoot, change), conveying the idea of one person replacing another, extended to mean successive generations.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal