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日本語
世代 — meaning in English: generation
sedai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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generation
世代
sedai
パニック
panikku
義務
gimu
アクティビティ
akutibiti
酸素
sanso
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word 世代 (sedai) when discussing demographic trends, cultural shifts, or generational characteristics in social settings. For instance, you might hear it in conversations about the differences between the 'baby boomer' generation and millennials during family gatherings or in academic discussions about societal evolution.
Synonyms & nuances
While similar words like 時代 (jidai) also refer to a period or era, 世代 (sedai) specifically focuses on generations within a population. Use 世代 when discussing age groups or familial relations, while 時代 is more appropriate for historical periods or cultural movements.
Culture
The term 世代 (sedai) has roots in the Chinese character '世', which means 'generation' or 'world,' and '代,' meaning 'substitution' or 'era.' This word reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on collective identity, highlighting how each generation contributes to the fabric of society. Interestingly, the concept of generations in Japan has gained momentum, particularly in understanding the impacts of rapid modernization and technology on youth today.
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