朝代

• Pinyin: cháo dài
• Hanzi breakdown: 朝 = 龺 (related to drying grass) + 月 (moon); 代 = 亻 (person) + 弋 (arrow)

Meaning

Dynasty; historical period ruled by a succession of emperors from the same family.

A fundamental term in Chinese history. China's history is traditionally organized by dynasties (Tang, Song, Ming, Qing, etc.). Used in historical, cultural, and educational contexts.

Examples

1. 中国历史上最长的朝代是哪一个？ Which was the longest dynasty in Chinese history?
2. 每个朝代都有自己独特的文化特色。 Every dynasty had its own unique cultural characteristics.
3. 这件文物可以追溯到明朝代。 This artifact can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty.

Usage Guide

Context: history, education, culture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 唐朝是中国历史上最繁荣的朝代之一。(The Tang Dynasty was one of the most prosperous dynasties in Chinese history.)
• 不同朝代的服饰风格差别很大。(Clothing styles varied greatly between different dynasties.)

Don't Say

• 现在的朝代 (Modern China is not organized by dynasties — use 时代 (era) or specific political terms for modern periods)

Origin & History

Compound of 朝 (imperial court, dynasty) and 代 (era, generation). 朝 originally meant 'morning' but came to mean 'court' from morning court assemblies.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal