gan6 doi6近代
Jyutpinggan6 doi6
Yalegahn doih
Definition
Modern times; the historical period leading up to the present day.
neutraltime
How it's used
Academic and historical contexts are where this term primarily lives, rather than in casual daily conversation. It functions as a formal label for a specific era, making it sound quite scholarly when used in speech. When discussing things that are currently happening or very recent, use 現代 instead.
Examples
Are you interested in modern social development?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 現代, which refers to the present day or contemporary times. Using 近代 to describe a modern smartphone or current fashion trends sounds like you are talking about historical artifacts from the early 20th century.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
