The first character today is 现, xiàn meaning the present time.The second character is 代, dài meaning a historical period.
Together 现代, xiàn dài means modern.
The third character is 五, wǔ the number five.
We have seen the fourth character before in the word 铁人三项 , tiě rén sān xiàng meaning Triathlon. It is xiàng meaning an item, or itemized things.
xiàn is pronounced sh-yan, with a 4th or falling tone
dài is pronounced die, with a 4th or falling tone.
wǔ is pronounced woo, with the 3rd or falling and rising tone.
xiàng is pronounced sh-yang, with a 4th or falling tone.
