代 (dài) — to substitute, to act on behalf of, to replace; generation; dynasty; age; period
Definition
代 as a verb means 'to substitute / act on behalf of' (e.g. 我代你值班). As a noun, it means 'generation' or 'dynasty', close to 时代 and 年代 but emphasizing one generation or one ruling house rather than a broad era.
to substituteto act on behalf ofto replacegenerationdynastyageperiod
Examples
- 代，。Wǒ dài nǐ zhí bān, nǐ kě yǐ xiū xi yì tiān.I'll take your shift, you can rest for a day.
- 。Zhè yí dài nián qīng rén gèng jiā zhù zhòng jiàn kāng.This generation of young people pays more attention to health.
- 代。Wǒ zuì xǐ huan de lì shǐ shí qī shì táng dài.My favorite historical period is the Tang dynasty.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
Sound part声符shēngfú
弋
弋yì代dài
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
In 代, 亻 shows a person, and 弋 gives the sound.
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.