Meaning
当代 refers to the current historical period or present age, typically meaning the time in which we are living now. It can function as both a noun meaning 'the contemporary era' and as an adjective meaning 'contemporary' or 'modern.' The term is commonly used in academic, cultural, and artistic contexts to distinguish present-day developments from those of the past.
Usage
当代 is frequently used in formal or academic contexts, especially when discussing art, literature, history, or social phenomena. It often appears in phrases like 当代文学 (contemporary literature), 当代艺术 (contemporary art), or 当代社会 (contemporary society). Native speakers use it to emphasize something belongs to or is characteristic of the current time period, as opposed to 古代 (ancient times) or 近代 (modern history, roughly 1840s-1949).
Examples
- 01他是当代最有影响力的作家之一。.He is one of the most influential writers of our time.
- 02这个博物馆专门收藏当代艺术作品。.This museum specializes in collecting contemporary artworks.
Characters
Common collocations
- 当代文学contemporary literature
- 当代艺术contemporary art
- 当代社会contemporary society
- 当代作家contemporary writer
Antonyms
Origin
当 originally meant 'to face' or 'to undertake,' and developed the meaning of 'current' or 'present.' 代 means 'generation' or 'era.' Together, 当代 literally means 'the current era' or 'present generation.'