现代

• Pinyin: xiàn dài
• Hanzi breakdown: 现 = 王 (jade) + 见 (see), meaning present or current; 代 = 亻 (person) + 弋 (shoot), meaning era or generation

Meaning

Modern; contemporary. Refers to the present era or the period from recent history to the present day.

Used both as a noun referring to the modern era and as an adjective meaning 'modern' or 'contemporary'. In Chinese historical periodisation, 现代 typically refers to the period from 1949 onwards, while 近代 covers the earlier modern period. In everyday usage, 现代 broadly means 'of the present time' and contrasts with 古代 (ancient) and 传统 (traditional).

Examples

1. 现代人的生活节奏越来越快。 The pace of life for modern people is getting faster and faster.
2. 这座城市是一个现代化的大都市。 This city is a modernised metropolis.
3. 现代科技改变了我们的生活方式。 Modern technology has changed our way of life.

Usage Guide

Context: history, society, technology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 现代社会竞争很激烈。(Competition in modern society is intense.)
• 他对现代艺术很感兴趣。(He is very interested in modern art.)

Don't Say

• 在现代的时候。(Don't add 的时候 after 现代 to mean 'in modern times' — say 在现代 or 现代以来 instead.)

Origin & History

现 means 'present' and 代 means 'era' or 'generation'. Together they refer to the current era or modern times.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal