代
JLPT N4
Substitute, generation, cost
Readings
On’yomi: ダイ (dai)
Kun’yomi: か(わる), か(える) (ka(waru), ka(eru))
• か.わる (kawaru) – to replace, to take the place of
• か.える (kaeru) – to substitute, to exchange
• しろ (shiro) – price, fee, value
Structure
Composition:
Purchase the course for full access of this content.
Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
時代
じだい
era
代わる
かわる
replace
代金
だいきん
fee
代表
だいひょう
representative
近代
きんだい
modern age
Example Sentences
新しい時代です。
あたらしい じだい です。
It is a new era.
私が代わります。
わたし が かわります。
I will replace (you).
Cultural Note
👘 The kanji 代 beautifully represents continuity between generations — a key value in Japanese culture.
In traditional businesses or crafts, people proudly refer to themselves as:
• 二代目 (にだいめ) – second-generation head
• 三代目 (さんだいめ) – third-generation successor
This shows respect for heritage and responsibility to carry on family legacy.
In daily life, 代 also expresses fair exchange — paying your 電気代 (electricity bill) or タクシー代 (taxi fare) — reflecting Japan’s cultural emphasis on honesty, balance, and mutual obligation.
In traditional businesses or crafts, people proudly refer to themselves as:
• 二代目 (にだいめ) – second-generation head
• 三代目 (さんだいめ) – third-generation successor
This shows respect for heritage and responsibility to carry on family legacy.
In daily life, 代 also expresses fair exchange — paying your 電気代 (electricity bill) or タクシー代 (taxi fare) — reflecting Japan’s cultural emphasis on honesty, balance, and mutual obligation.