历代

lì dài

successive generations

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"历代" refers to successive generations or eras, often used to describe things or people spanning multiple historical periods. It is commonly used in formal or historical contexts to emphasize continuity or tradition.

Common Collocations

  • 历代皇帝 (emperors of successive generations): highlights rulers across different dynasties.
  • 历代 (famous people from successive generations): refers to notable figures throughout history.
  • 历代文化 (culture of successive generations): emphasizes cultural heritage over time.

Usage Notes

"历代" is typically placed before a noun to indicate that the noun relates to multiple past generations or eras. It is more formal and historical than simply saying "过去" (past). Avoid using it for very recent or informal contexts.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "历代" with "" (each generation) which emphasizes individual generations separately. "历代" stresses the collective span of generations as a whole.

Example Sentences

历代皇帝都非常重视文化的发展。

Lìdài huángdì dōu fēicháng zhòngshì wénhuà de fāzhǎn.

Successive emperors have all attached great importance to the development of

这座古城保存了历代的建筑风格。

Zhè zuò gǔchéng bǎocúnle lìdài de jiànzhù fēnggé.

This ancient city preserves the architectural styles of successive

历代名人都曾在这里留下足迹。

Lìdài míngrén dōu céng zài zhèlǐ liú xià zújì.

Famous people from successive generations have left their marks here.