How to say "Generation" in Japanese | 代

If you are wondering what's the Japanese word for "Generation" you've come to the right place!

The Japanese word for "Generation" is "Dai", written in japanese as "代"."Generation" in hiragana is "だい".

word

代

Meaning

Generation

Reading

だい

Kanji

代Substitute, Era

Handwriting

Explanation

The Japanese suffix '代 (だい)' is used to indicate a generation or era. It is commonly attached to numbers or names to specify a particular generation or time period. For example: the 80s generation「80代」(はちじゅうだい). The Heisei era「平成代」(へいせいだい). This suffix can also be used to refer to a person's age group, such as '20代 (にじゅうだい)' meaning 'in one's 20s'. It is important to note that '代' can also mean 'price' or 'cost' in other contexts, but this is a separate and unrelated meaning.

Kanji in this Word

This word contains 1 Kanji:

kanji

代

Meaning

Substitute, Era

Reading

onyomiだいkunyomiか

Parts

亻Person (人)弋Ceremony

Handwriting

Example Word

代理: proxy. The Japanese noun '代理 (だいり)' means 'proxy' or 'substitute'. It refers to someone who acts on behalf of another person, often in a formal or official capacity. This term is commonly used in business, legal, and administrative contexts. For example: I will attend the meeting as a proxy「私は代理で会議に出席します」(わたしはだいりでかいぎにしゅっせきします). The lawyer acted as a proxy for the client「弁護士は依頼人の代理を務めた」(べんごしはいらいにんのだいりをつとめた). In some cases, it can also refer to a temporary replacement or stand-in, such as a substitute teacher「代理の先生」(だいりのせんせい).

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What does "Dai" mean in japanese?

"Dai" means "Generation" .

To help you truly master this word, we’ve prepared an interactive lesson. You'll learn its readings, meanings, and the individual characters that make it up.

Related Words "代"

This word contains the kanji "代" which is also found in the following words:

word

時代

Meaning

Era

Reading

じだい

Kanji

時Time, Hour 代Substitute, Era

Handwriting

Explanation

The Japanese noun '時代 (じだい)' refers to a period of time, often characterized by particular events, trends, or cultural aspects. It can be used to describe historical periods, such as the Edo era, or more abstract concepts like the 'digital age'. For example: the Edo era was a peaceful time「江戸時代は平和な時代だった」(えどじだいはへいわなじだいだった). We live in the digital age「私たちはデジタル時代に生きている」(わたしたちはでじたるじだいにいきている). The word can also be used to describe someone's personal 'era' or phase in life, such as 'my student days'「私の学生時代」(わたしのがくせいじだい).

word

現代

Meaning

Modern

Reading

げんだい

Kanji

現Appear, Current 代Substitute, Era

Handwriting

Explanation

The Japanese noun '現代 (げんだい)' refers to the 'modern' era or the present time. It is often used to describe contemporary society, culture, or technology. For example: modern society「現代社会」(げんだいしゃかい). modern art「現代美術」(げんだいびじゅつ). This term is commonly used in discussions about current trends, advancements, or issues in the present day.

word

代表

Meaning

Representation, Delegate

Reading

だいひょう

Kanji

代Substitute, Era 表Surface, Express

Handwriting

Explanation

The Japanese verbal noun '代表 (だいひょう)' can mean 'representation' or 'delegate'. As 'representation', it refers to the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something. As 'delegate', it refers to a person chosen or appointed to represent others. Example sentences: He is the representative of our company「彼は私たちの会社の代表です」(かれはわたしたちのかいしゃのだいひょうです). This painting is a representation of peace「この絵は平和の代表です」(このえはへいわのだいひょうです). The nuance here is that '代表' can refer to both the concept of representation and the person who represents, depending on context.

word

近代

Meaning

Modern

Reading

きんだい

Kanji

近Near 代Substitute, Era

Handwriting

Explanation

The Japanese noun '近代 (きんだい)' refers to the 'modern' era or period, typically in the context of history or society. It often denotes the period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, characterized by industrialization, modernization, and significant cultural and political changes. For example: Japan modernized during the Meiji era「日本は明治時代に近代化した」(にほんはめいじじだいできんだいかした). Modern architecture is fascinating「近代建築は魅力的だ」(きんだいけんちくはみりょくてきだ). The word is commonly used in historical, cultural, and academic discussions to describe the transition from traditional to contemporary society.

word

代わり

Meaning

Substitute

Reading

かわり

Kanji

代Substitute, Era

Handwriting

Explanation

The Japanese noun '代わり (かわり)' means 'substitute' or 'replacement'. It refers to something or someone that takes the place of another. This word is often used in contexts where one thing is exchanged for another, such as in a trade or a replacement. For example: I will go in your place「私があなたの代わりに行きます」(わたしがあなたのかわりにいきます). This can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as when one action or event compensates for another. For example: The food was bad, but the service made up for it「料理はまずかったけど、サービスが代わりになった」(りょうりはまずかったけど、サービスがかわりになった).