Translation guide
This guide explains how to refer to the modern Japanese language, covering the standard term, written/spoken distinctions, and academic or historical contexts.
To refer to the Japanese language as it is used today, in contrast to classical or older forms.
The standard term for 'modern Japanese', used in linguistic and educational contexts. It refers to the language from the Meiji era onward.
現代日本語の文法を勉強しています。
I am studying modern Japanese grammar.
Literally 'Japanese of the modern era'. Slightly more descriptive, often used in titles or when emphasizing the contemporary aspect.
現代の日本語は外来語の影響を強く受けている。
Modern Japanese is heavily influenced by loanwords.
To distinguish the contemporary language from classical or literary Japanese (古文/文語).
Often used in contrast with 古典語 (classical language) or 文語 (literary language). Implies modern language in general, but context usually makes it clear it's Japanese.
この小説は現代語で書かれている。
This novel is written in modern language.
Specifically a translation into modern Japanese, often from classical Japanese or Chinese.
源氏物語の現代日本語訳を読む。
I read a modern Japanese translation of The Tale of Genji.
To refer specifically to the spoken form of contemporary Japanese.
Explicitly refers to spoken modern Japanese, often used in linguistic discussions.
現代日本語の話し言葉には多くの省略がある。
There are many omissions in spoken modern Japanese.
Means 'spoken language' or 'colloquial language'. Often contrasted with 文語 (written/literary language). Can refer to modern spoken Japanese in context.
口語では「ている」が「てる」になることがある。
In spoken language, 'teiru' sometimes becomes 'teru'.
To refer to the written form of contemporary Japanese, often in contrast to classical written styles.
Explicitly refers to written modern Japanese.
現代日本語の書き言葉は、話し言葉とは異なる特徴がある。
Written modern Japanese has different characteristics from spoken Japanese.
Primarily means 'literary language' or classical written style, but in some contexts can refer to formal written Japanese. Use with caution as it often implies pre-modern language.
文語 usually refers to classical literary Japanese, not modern written Japanese. Use 書き言葉 for modern written language.
現代日本語 explicitly means 'modern Japanese', while 現代語 means 'modern language' and can refer to any modern language. In context, 現代語 often implies Japanese, but 現代日本語 is clearer.
近代日本語 (kindai nihongo) refers specifically to early modern Japanese (Meiji to early Showa). For contemporary Japanese, use 現代日本語.
文語体の文章は現代ではほとんど使われない。
Literary style writing is rarely used today.