HSK 4

世纪

shì jì

century

HSK 4 — —

Character Breakdown

世

shì · generation, era, age

Radical: 一 · 5strokes

Stroke order animation for 世

纪

jì · discipline, age

Radical: 纟 · 6strokes

Stroke order animation for 纪

Understanding 世纪 (shì jì)

The word 世纪 literally means "century," a period of 100 years. It is commonly used to refer to historical eras or to mark time periods in history, culture, or technology. When Chinese speakers use 世纪, they often imply a significant span of time that shapes events or developments.

Usage and Context

世纪 is frequently used with numbers to specify which century is being discussed, such as 20世纪 (the 20th century). It can also describe the age or history of objects, buildings, or traditions, emphasizing longevity.

Common Collocations

  • 几个世纪 (jǐ gè shì jì): several centuries, used to express a long historical duration.
  • 新世纪 (xīn shì jì): new century, often used when discussing transitions or new eras.
  • 21世纪 (èr shí yī shì jì): the 21st century, a common way to specify the current or future century.

Nuances

While 世纪 strictly means a 100-year period, it often carries a tone of historical importance or cultural significance. It is not used for casual time references but rather for formal or academic contexts. Avoid confusing 世纪 with 年 (year) or 年代 (decade/era), which refer to shorter time spans.

Summary

Use 世纪 when talking about centuries in history, culture, or long-term developments. It helps frame discussions about eras and significant periods, making it essential for historical and cultural conversations.

Example Sentences

20世纪是科技飞速发展的时代。

èr shí shì jì shì kē jì fēi sù fā zhǎn de shí dài。

The 20th century was an era of rapid technological development.

这座建筑已有几个世纪的历史。

zhè zuò jiàn zhù yǐ jīng yǒu jǐ gè shì jì de lì shǐ。

This building has a history of several centuries.

我们正在进入一个新的世纪。

wǒ men zhèng zài jìn rù yí gè xīn de shì jì。

We are entering a new century.

历史学家研究了这个世纪的重大事件。

lì shǐ xué jiā yán jiū le zhè gè shì jì de zhòng dà shì jiàn。

Historians studied the major events of this century.

这个世纪的艺术风格非常多样。

zhè gè shì jì de yì shù fēng gé fēi cháng duō yàng。

The art styles of this century are very diverse.