代 (dài) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 代 (dài) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 代 (dài) means "to replace; generation; era". It is an HSK Level 3 character, with 5 strokes and the radical 亻.

Q: How do you write 代 stroke by stroke?

代 has 5 strokes. The radical is 亻. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 代 and 亿?

代 (dài) and 亿 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 代?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 亻. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 代?

Common words containing 代 include: 代表 (dài biǎo) — representative; to represent; 现代 (xiàn dài) — Modern times; modern; 代替 (dài tì) — to replace; to substitute.

How to Write 代

The character 代 (dài) is written with 5 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 亻 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

代 is pronounced dài in Mandarin Chinese. It means to replace; generation; era.

As an HSK Level 3 character, 代 is an intermediate-level character.

Common Words with 代

代表 dài biǎo

representative; to represent

现代 xiàn dài

Modern times; modern

代替 dài tì

to replace; to substitute

Example Sentences

他代表公司发言。

tā dài biǎo gōng sī fā yán

He speaks on behalf of the company.

这是一个现代城市。

zhè shì yí gè xiàn dài chéng shì

This is a modern city.

谁能代替他去？

shuí néng dài tì tā qù

Who can go in his place?

Similar Characters

亿 yì

什 shén

仁 rén

Practice Writing 代 (dài)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 代 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 代

What does 代 (dài) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 代 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 代 and 亿?

What mistakes do learners make writing 代?

What common words use 代?

How to Write 代 (dài)