古代
gǔdài
The English word "ancient" is translated into Chinese as 古代 (gǔdài).
古代 describes something that is existent or occurring in time long past. While it can function as an adjective, it is most frequently used as a noun meaning "ancient times" or "the ancient era".
Meaning: existent or occurring in time long past (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the character 古 (ancient) and the character 代 (era, generation or dynasty).
How do you pronounce it?
gǔdài
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese internet slang, 古 is sometimes used as a prefix to describe things that are 'outdated' or 'cringe' rather than historically significant.
- While 古代 refers to a general ancient era, the term 古风 describes a specific aesthetic style in modern music and fashion that mimics the 'ancient wind'.
- The character 代 in 古代 can also mean 'to replace' or 'to substitute', suggesting that one era or generation replaces the previous one.
Examples in context
- 古代中國沒有椅子。There were no chairs in ancient China.This sentence is useful for describing the lack of specific objects in the context of 古代.Tatoeba #5995377 by xjjAstrus, translation #7793715 by sharris123
- 子是中国古代对有学问的人的尊称，如孔子，老子，墨子，韩非子。The title "Zi" was an honorific title for learned scholars in ancient China, such as Confucius, Laozi, Mozi and Han Feizi.This sentence is useful for showing how scholars were addressed during 古代.Tatoeba #13947930 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #13947931 by jan_OkulaJu
- 羅馬以其古代建築而聞名。Rome is famous for its ancient architecture.This sentence is useful for noting that certain locations are famous for their 古代 architecture.Tatoeba #797139 by Martha, translation #29411 by CN
- 古老的 文明Ancient civilization
- 古 城Ancient city
- 在中國，有許多 古老的 祭典慶典。In China, there are many ancient festivals and celebrations.
- 這個博物館展示了很多 古代的 文物。This museum displays a lot of ancient artifacts.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are visiting a museum.
- 浩然 Haoran這些古代瓷器真的很漂亮。Zhèxiē gǔdài cíqì zhēn de hěn piàoliang.These ancient porcelains are really beautiful.
- 梓涵 Zihan是的，浩然，它們很有歷史感。Shì de, Hàorán, tāmen hěn yǒu lìshǐ gǎn.Yes, Haoran, they have a great sense of history.
- 浩然 Haoran你喜歡看這些古代文物嗎？Nǐ xǐhuān kàn zhèxiē gǔdài wénwù ma?Do you like looking at these ancient relics?
- 梓涵 Zihan我非常喜歡。Wǒ fēicháng xǐhuān.I like them very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
