時代

• Reading: じだい
• Romaji: jidai
• Kanji breakdown: 時 (ji/toki) — time; 代 (dai/yo) — generation, era
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.da.i/

Meaning

An age; a period; an era. A span of time marked by particular characteristics or events.

Widely used in both historical and contemporary contexts. Common in compounds like 江戸時代 (Edo period), 時代劇 (period drama), and 現代 (modern era). Can also mean 'the times' in a general sense, as in 時代が変わった (the times have changed). An essential word for discussing Japanese history.

Examples

1. 江戸時代の日本について勉強しています。 I'm studying about Japan during the Edo period.
2. 時代が変わっても大切なことは同じです。 Even as times change, the important things stay the same.
3. 祖父は戦争の時代に生まれました。 My grandfather was born during the era of war.

Usage Guide

Context: history, culture, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese 時代 (shídài). Compound of 時 (ji, time) and 代 (dai, generation/era). Both kanji relate to the passage and division of time.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal