代(dài): to be a substitute for
HSK 35 strokes
to be a substitute for
Stroke order animation
Character information
- Pinyin
- dài
- Meaning
- to be a substitute for; to act on behalf of; to replace; to substitute; generation; dynasty; age; period; (historical) era; (geological) eon
- Strokes
- 5
- HSK level
- HSK 3
- Traditional
- Same
Origin & structure
Where 代 comes from and how its parts fit together.
How to write 代 step by step
5 strokes — each frame adds one stroke, shown in dark ink over the lighter ones.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Words with 代
Common words using 代 — tap any character to open its stroke-order page.
Related characters
Ready to master 代?
Trace 代 stroke by stroke in the online practice tool, or turn it into a printable worksheet PDF with Tianzige practice grids, pinyin, and stroke-order breakdowns.