Translation guide
For the concept of 'modern society' as a broad social context, Japanese uses terms like 現代社会 (げんだいしゃかい) for contemporary society, 近代社会 (きんだいしゃかい) for post-feudal modern society, and 今日の社会 (こんにちのしゃかい) for today's society. The choice depends on whether you mean present-day, the modern era, or a sociological concept.
Referring to society as it exists now, with current technology, culture, and issues.
The most common and neutral term for 'modern society' in the sense of contemporary society. Used in everyday conversation, news, and academic contexts.
現代社会では、スマートフォンは欠かせないものだ。
In modern society, smartphones are indispensable.
現代社会の問題について議論しよう。
Let's discuss the problems of modern society.
Literally 'today's society', used to emphasize the current state of society, often in contrast with the past or future.
今日の社会では、情報があふれている。
In today's society, information is overflowing.
A more casual way to say 'current society', often used in spoken Japanese.
今の社会はストレスが多いよね。
Modern society is so stressful, isn't it?
Referring to society in the modern historical period, often contrasted with pre-modern or traditional society.
Refers to 'modern society' in the historical sense, typically from the Meiji Restoration onward, characterized by industrialization, capitalism, and nation-state formation. Common in academic and historical contexts.
近代社会の成立は、産業革命と深く関わっている。
The formation of modern society is deeply connected to the Industrial Revolution.
A direct loanword from English, used in some academic or stylistic contexts, but less common than native terms.
モダン・ソサエティの概念は西洋から導入された。
The concept of modern society was introduced from the West.
Referring to the abstract idea of modern society, often in contrast with traditional or postmodern society.
Also used for the sociological concept, covering both contemporary and modern aspects. Context clarifies the nuance.
社会学では、現代社会の特徴として個人化が挙げられる。
In sociology, individualization is cited as a characteristic of modern society.
Literally 'modernized society', emphasizing the process of becoming modern. Useful when discussing development or change.
近代化した社会では、伝統的な価値観が失われることがある。
In modernized societies, traditional values can be lost.
現代社会 (げんだいしゃかい) is the default for 'modern society' in everyday and general contexts, referring to the present day. 近代社会 (きんだいしゃかい) is more specific to the historical modern era (roughly 19th century to mid-20th century) and is often used in academic discussions of modernization. If you're talking about current issues like social media, use 現代社会. If you're discussing the rise of industrial capitalism, 近代社会 may be more appropriate.
The English word 'modern' can be translated as モダン (modan) in some contexts (e.g., モダンアート for modern art), but for 'modern society', モダン社会 is not natural. Stick with 現代社会 or 近代社会.