Translation guide
The system of kana usage standardized in post-WWII Japan, based on modern pronunciation rather than historical spelling.
Referring to the modern kana spelling rules as a whole.
Talking about the idea of modern kana spelling as opposed to historical spelling.
Distinguishing modern spelling from pre-war historical kana usage.
Both refer to the modern system. 現代仮名遣い is the official term used in government documents and education. 新仮名遣い is more colloquial and often used in contrast to 旧仮名遣い (old kana orthography). In most contexts, they are interchangeable.
Modern kana orthography was introduced in 1946 to simplify writing and align it with contemporary pronunciation. Before that, historical kana usage (歴史的仮名遣い) preserved spellings from earlier periods, which often did not match how words were spoken.
The standard term for 'modern kana usage' or 'modern kana orthography', referring to the official rules established in 1946 and revised in 1986.
現代仮名遣いでは、「言ふ」は「言う」と書く。
In modern kana orthography, '言ふ' is written as '言う'.
Literally 'new kana usage', often used in contrast to historical kana orthography (旧仮名遣い). Common in discussions about spelling reforms.
新仮名遣いと旧仮名遣いの違いを説明してください。
Please explain the difference between new and old kana orthography.
Also used to refer to the concept or principle of modern kana usage.
現代仮名遣いは、発音に基づいている。
Modern kana orthography is based on pronunciation.
A more technical term meaning 'phonetic kana usage', emphasizing the principle of writing according to sound.
表音式仮名遣いは、現代仮名遣いの基本原則です。
Phonetic kana usage is the basic principle of modern kana orthography.
When contrasting with 歴史的仮名遣い (historical kana orthography), this is the natural term.
歴史的仮名遣いと現代仮名遣いでは、同じ言葉でも書き方が異なります。
The same word can be written differently in historical and modern kana orthography.
Often used in the pair 旧仮名遣い (old) and 新仮名遣い (new).
旧仮名遣いを新仮名遣いに直す。
Convert old kana orthography to new kana orthography.