当代 dāngdài the present age
the present age; the contemporary era
How to remember 当代: 当 act as + 代 era = the present age.
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How it is used
- The contemporary era / present-day: 当代艺术 (dāngdài yìshù) contemporary art, 当代文学 (contemporary literature).
- Attributive marking 'of our own time'; a period label.
- Contrast 现代 (xiàndài, 'modern' as a broader historical period); 当代 is specifically the living present.