Definition
近代 (jìn dài) refers specifically to the 'modern period' in Chinese history, from the mid-19th century (Opium Wars) to 1919 (May Fourth Movement). It is a narrower, historically bounded term compared to 现代 (xiàn dài), which means 'modern times' in a general sense and includes the present day. Use 近代 when discussing that particular era; use 现代 for contemporary or general modern contexts.
noun
(in Chinese history) the modern periodfrom the mid-19th century to 1919modern timesthe not-very-distant past (excluding recent decades)
Examples
- 近代。jìn dài Zhōngguó fāshēng le hěnduō biànhuà.Modern China underwent many changes.
- 近代18401919。jìn dài shì cóng 1840 nián dào 1919 nián de shíqī.The modern period is the period from 1840 to 1919.
- 近代。jìn dài jīngjì de fāzhǎn sùdù hěn kuài.The economy developed very quickly in modern times.
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