How do you say "modern" in Chinese?

现代

xiàn dài

Adjective Hanzi

In Chinese, "modern" is 现代 (xiàn dài).

Listen to the pronunciation:

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Pronunciation

To get xiàn dài right, aim for "xiàn" snapped down sharply (fourth tone), then "dài" snapped down sharply (fourth tone).

Writing and usage

现代 is written using hanzi. It's a adjective, part of the vocabulary taught in the Noun Town language learning game.

Example sentence

办公室明亮现代。

bàn gōng shì míng liàng xiàn dài 。

The office is bright and modern.

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How to remember 现代

Turn "xiàn dài" into a tiny story about modern — the sillier the mental image, the faster it sticks.

Related words

Browse all Chinese words in the glossary.

Questions about 现代

How do you pronounce 现代?

To get xiàn dài right, aim for "xiàn" snapped down sharply (fourth tone), then "dài" snapped down sharply (fourth tone).

Is 现代 formal or casual?

现代 is a neutral, everyday word that works in both casual and polite speech.

How is 现代 used in Chinese?

现代 is used the same way as the equivalent English adjective. For example: 办公室明亮现代。 (The office is bright and modern.).

Where can I practice Chinese words for free?

You can play free Chinese minigames in your browser on the Noun Town online games page, no sign-up required. Every word in the Chinese glossary also has native audio and an example sentence you can revisit any time.

"Modern" in other languages

Curated by Callan Ratcliffe

This word is part of the vocabulary taught in the Chinese language learning game Noun Town, where words are introduced through play rather than memorisation. Want to play the full game? Get Noun Town on Steam.

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