Translation guide
The English phrase "modern times" can refer to the contemporary era, recent history, or the present day. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on context: whether you mean the current era in general, the modern period in history, or a contrast with the past.
Referring to the current age, especially in contrast with the past, or to describe life, technology, or culture today.
The most common and neutral word for 'modern times' or 'the present age'. Used in contexts like modern society, modern life, modern technology.
現代社会では、インターネットが不可欠です。
In modern society, the internet is indispensable.
現代のテクノロジーは急速に進歩している。
Modern technology is advancing rapidly.
Often translated as 'modern times', but specifically refers to the modern historical period (roughly from the Meiji era onward in Japan). It carries a nuance of modernization and Westernization. Use when talking about modern history, modern literature, or the modern era as a historical concept.
近代日本文学を研究しています。
I study modern Japanese literature.
A more colloquial way to say 'the current era' or 'these days'. Suitable for casual conversation.
今の時代、スマホがない生活は考えられない。
In this day and age, you can't imagine life without a smartphone.
Emphasizing the contrast between now and earlier periods, often in expressions like 'in modern times' or 'nowadays'.
Means 'in modern times' or 'nowadays'. Used to introduce a statement about the present era.
現代では、女性の社会進出が進んでいる。
In modern times, women's participation in society has been advancing.
Literally 'recently', but can be used to mean 'in modern times' when contrasting with the past. More casual than 現代では.
最近では、紙の本より電子書籍を読む人が増えた。
Nowadays, more people read e-books than paper books.
Referring to a specific period in history, often in academic or formal contexts.
The standard term for the modern historical era, especially in contrast to pre-modern or early modern periods. Used in history, art, and literature.
近代の始まりは産業革命とともに訪れた。
The beginning of modern times came with the Industrial Revolution.
Refers to the early modern period (e.g., Edo period in Japan). Not a direct translation of 'modern times' but sometimes used in historical contexts. Use with caution.
現代 (げんだい) means 'contemporary' or 'the present age', while 近代 (きんだい) means 'modern' in a historical sense (roughly 19th century to mid-20th century). If you say 'modern times' meaning 'now', use 現代. If you mean the historical period, use 近代.
The phrase 'modern times' is often not translated word-for-word. In many cases, 現代 or 最近 is more natural than trying to use 時間 (time) or 時代 (era) directly.
現代では、人々は長生きする。
In modern times, people live longer.
現代は多くの変化をもたらした。
Modern times have brought many changes.
近世ヨーロッパ史を専攻しています。
I major in early modern European history.