年代
Meanings
1
Refers to when something belongs in time: a historical period, a decade such as 1990年代, or the estimated date or age of an object.
The Internet spread rapidly in the 1990s.
Researchers are investigating the date of this earthenware.
2
age group; generation; age range
Used for groups of people by age, often in phrases such as 幅広い年代, 若い年代, and 同じ年代.
This movie is popular with a wide range of age groups.
Usage patterns
- 幅広い年代a wide range of age groups
People from a wide range of age groups took part in this event.
- 年代を問わずregardless of age group
This game can be enjoyed by people of any age group.
- 〈物〉の年代を測定するto determine the age/date of something
The researchers determined the age of the fossil.
- 〈物〉を年代順に並べるto arrange things in chronological order
I arranged the documents in chronological order.
- 同じ年代の〈人〉people of the same age group
I went on a trip with a friend who is around the same age.