近代

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 这本书讲述了中国近代史。▶ —
   This book recounts China’s modern history.
2. 近代科学始于欧洲。▶ —
   Modern science began in Europe.

Collocations

Mnemonic

近 jìn "near" + 代 dài "age, era": the relatively recent age, i.e. modern times (the early-modern period). Same as the Korean word geun-dae (近代). In dividing history into 古代 (ancient), 近代 (modern) and 现代 (contemporary), it points to the relatively recent past just before the contemporary era (中国近代史 China’s modern history). It is distinct from 当代 and 现代 (our own era): 近代 is one stage earlier. 近 means "near" (附近 nearby); 代 means "age, era" (时代).

Related

Quick check

1. What period does 近代 indicate, compared with 现代?

   • the recent past just before the contemporary era
   • the distant ancient past
   • our very own era now
   • the far future