Translation guide
Describes something that is contemporary, up-to-date, or characteristic of present-day trends in design, fashion, architecture, or way of doing things.
Describing something as having a modern, current, or trendy style, often in contrast to traditional or old-fashioned.
A loanword from English 'modern', used widely for modern design, architecture, and style. Often carries a sophisticated, Western-influenced nuance.
This room has a modern interior, doesn't it?
Means 'contemporary' or 'modern' in a broad sense. Can be used for style, thinking, or methods. More formal than モダン.
I like modern and stylish designs.
Literally 'current style', meaning trendy or up-to-date. Often used for fashion, hairstyles, or casual design. Slightly more colloquial.
Her outfits are always modern and stylish.
Means 'modern' in the sense of 'modern times' (post-Meiji era) or 'modernized'. Often used for architecture, facilities, or systems. Can imply a break from tradition.
This building has a very modern design.
Direct loanword compound 'modern style'. Used in specific contexts like fashion or interior design, but less common than モダン alone.
I'm looking for modern-style furniture.
Describing methods, approaches, or systems that are modern, not old-fashioned.
Attributive form of 現代的, used before nouns. Describes something as contemporary in approach or style.
We should adopt modern management methods.
Means 'latest' or 'most recent'. Often used for technology, information, or trends. Implies cutting-edge rather than just modern.
It's a shop that incorporates the latest styles.
Means 'nowadays' or 'these days', often used to describe something typical of the current era, sometimes with a slightly critical tone. Can be used attributively.
Specifically contrasting with traditional Japanese aesthetics (和風) or old-fashioned ways.
Means 'Western-style'. Often used when contrasting with Japanese traditional style (和風). Implies modern, Western-influenced design.
This house has a Western-style modern kitchen.
Literally 'not Japanese-style'. Used to clarify that something is modern/Western rather than traditional Japanese.
That design is not traditional Japanese; it's modern.
モダン is a loanword often used for design, fashion, and art, carrying a stylish, Western nuance. 現代的 is a broader term for 'contemporary' in thinking, methods, or style, and is more formal. 近代的 refers to 'modern' in a historical sense (post-industrial revolution) and is often used for infrastructure or systems.
The direct translation 'モダンスタイル' is understandable but sounds like a borrowed term and is less natural than using モダン alone or 現代的. Reserve it for specific compound contexts like fashion or interior design jargon.
今どきの若者はそんな古いスタイルは好まない。
Young people these days don't like such old-fashioned styles.