年代

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 这首歌流行于八十年代。▶ —
   This song was popular in the eighties.
2. 那是一个动荡的年代。▶ —
   That was a turbulent era.

Collocations

Mnemonic

年 nián "year" + 代 dài "age": a span of years grouped together, i.e. a decade or era. Same as the Korean word yeon-dae (年代). Two shades: a specific decade (八十年代 the eighties) and a vague "times, era" (动荡的年代 a turbulent era). Compared with 时代 (a grand, macro era), it leans toward a concrete decade or specific period. 年代久远 means dating far back. 代 means "age, generation".

Related

Quick check

1. What does 年代 mean in 八十年代?

   • a specific decade (the eighties)
   • a day
   • a moment
   • a century