世纪 — meaning in English: century

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

Guess the translation for century

胃

wèi

领先

lǐngxiān

信

xìn

大头

dàtóu

世纪

shìjì

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '世纪' (shìjì) when discussing historical events, such as the impact of the 20th century on modern China. It's common in both casual conversations about past decades and in more formal discussions, such as academic lectures or articles on socio-political developments.

Synonyms & nuances

'世纪' specifically refers to a period of one hundred years, whereas '年代' (niándài) is a more general term that refers to a decade or a period in time. You would choose '世纪' when you want to emphasize the century-long span, particularly in historical contexts.

Culture

'世纪' derives from the ancient Chinese term for 'age' or 'era,' illustrating how the concept of time has been deeply woven into Chinese culture. Interestingly, the Chinese calendar also marks centuries, but unlike the Western system, it is based on the lunar calendar, which adds an additional layer of cultural significance to how time is perceived and recorded in Chinese society.

FAQ

Q.What does '世纪' mean in English?

'世纪' translates to 'century' in English. It denotes a period of one hundred years, a concept often used to discuss historical timelines or significant events.

Q.How do you use '世纪' in a sentence?

You can use '世纪' in a sentence like this: '20世纪是中国历史上重要的一个世纪' (The 20th century was an important century in Chinese history).

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using '世纪'?

A common mistake is confusing '世纪' with '年代' (niándài). While both relate to periods in time, '世纪' is specific to centuries, so ensure you use it in contexts that require that level of specificity.

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