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.
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.
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.
This novel is written in modern language.
Specifically a translation into modern Japanese, often from classical Japanese or Chinese.
To refer specifically to the spoken form of contemporary Japanese.
Explicitly refers to spoken modern Japanese, often used in linguistic discussions.
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.
To refer to the written form of contemporary Japanese, often in contrast to classical written styles.
Explicitly refers to written modern Japanese.
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.
I read a modern Japanese translation of The Tale of Genji.
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'.
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.