Definition
年代 (nián dài) refers to a decade of a century (e.g. the 1980s) or a broader historical period. It differs from 时代 (shí dài), which describes an era defined by social or cultural features; 年代 is more neutral and often used for numbered decades. Do not use 年代 for a person's age — use 年龄 (nián líng) or 年纪 (nián jì).
noun
decade of a century (e.g. the Sixties)eraageperiod
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 年代。Èrshí shìjì bāshí nián dài yǒu hěn duō xīn fāmíng.The 1980s had many new inventions.
- 年代。Zhànzhēng nián dài rénmen shēnghuó hěn kùnnan.During the war era, people's lives were very difficult.
- 年代。Nà ge nián dài de yīnyuè wǒ dōu hěn xǐhuan.I like all the music from that era.
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