Meaning
近代 refers to the modern period in history, typically defined in Chinese historiography as the period from the Opium War (1840) to the founding of the People's Republic of China (1949). More broadly, it can refer to relatively recent historical times as opposed to ancient or medieval periods.
Usage
This term is commonly used in historical and academic contexts to discuss China's modern transformation. It contrasts with 古代 (ancient times), 中世纪 (medieval times), and 当代 (contemporary times). In Chinese historical periodization, 近代 has a more specific meaning than in Western historiography.
Examples
- 01近代中国经历了巨大的社会变革。.Modern China experienced tremendous social transformation.
- 02这门课主要讲近代史。.This course mainly covers modern history.
Characters
Common collocations
- 近代史modern history
- 近代中国modern China
- 近代化modernization
- 中国近代史modern Chinese history
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 近 (near/recent) with 代 (era/period) to literally mean 'recent era.' The term gained prominence in Chinese scholarship during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as historians developed frameworks to understand China's transformation.