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時代 — meaning in English: Age

jidai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for era
所有者
shoyūsha
時代
jidai
司令官
shireikan
紳士
shinshi
コンポーネント
konpōnent
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 時代 (jidai) in historical discussions to refer to specific periods such as the Edo period or the Meiji era. Additionally, it can be used in everyday conversations when discussing changes in society, culture, or technology over time, like how digital technology has transformed our modern age.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 期間 (kikan), which means 'period' but lacks the historical and cultural depth that 時代 (jidai) carries. You would choose jidai when discussing historical contexts or the evolution of societal norms, as it implies a broader timeframe with significant cultural changes.
Culture
The word 時代 (jidai) has its roots in classical Chinese, where it also referred to 'period' or 'era', highlighting the interconnectedness of Asian languages. In Japan, the concept of ' jidai' is deeply embedded in cultural identity, often used in literature, art, and history to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to reflect on societal progress through different ages.
FAQ
Q.What does 時代 (jidai) mean in English?
時代 (jidai) translates to 'age' or 'era' in English, referring to a specific period characterized by distinct cultural, historical, or social features.
Q.How do you use 時代 in a sentence?
You can use 時代 in a sentence like, '今の時代は技術が進んでいます' (The current age is advancing in technology) to discuss attributes of the present time.
Q.Are there any common mistakes to avoid with 時代?
A common mistake is to confuse 時代 (jidai) with 年代 (nendai), which means 'years' or 'dates'. While both refer to time, 時代 emphasizes the cultural and historical aspects of a period.
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Japanese 2000