Definition
世代 (shì dài) means 'generation' across many generations (e.g., 世代相传) and also 'era' for broad historical periods. Unlike 一代 (yī dài), which refers to a single generation of people, and 时代 (shí dài), the standard word for historical epochs (e.g., 石器时代), 世代 emphasizes continuity across generations.
noun
generation (in family lineage; often implies 'for many generations')eraage (historical or cultural period)
Easily confused
- 时代shí dàisound-alikeera; age; epoch
Examples
- 世代。Wǒmen jiāzú shì dài jūzhù zài zhège xiǎo zhèn shang.Our clan has lived in this small town for generations.
- 世代。Jìsuànjī de fāmíng gǎibiàn le zhěnggè shì dài.The invention of computers changed an entire era.
- 世代。Nàge shì dài de rén shēnghuó fēicháng jiānkǔ.People of that era lived a very hard life.
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