1.
era, period, decade
A specific time period in history, often referring to decades (1990s, 2000s, etc.).
1980年代に流行した音楽。
Music that was popular in the 1980s.
〜年代 = the ~s (decade)
この絵の年代を調べる。
To investigate the age of this painting.
2.
age, generation
A person's age or the generation they belong to.
若い年代の人に人気がある。
It's popular among younger generations.
同じ年代の人と話すと楽しい。
It's fun talking with people of the same age group.
どの年代にも、それぞれの悩みがある。
Every age group has its own worries.
この商品は幅広い年代に支持されている。
This product is supported by a wide range of age groups.
USAGE: 年代 is used for historical periods (decades) and age groups.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 19XX年代 (the 19XXs - decade)
- 年代を問わず (regardless of age)
- 同じ年代 (same generation)
- 若い年代 (younger generation)
- 年代順 (in chronological order)
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 年代別 (by age group)
- 年代記 (chronicle)
- 年代測定 (dating, age determination)
RELATED WORDS:
- 時代 - era, period (longer, named periods)
- 世代 - generation
- 年齢 - age (individual's age)