Translation guide
A late 20th-century movement in the arts, architecture, and criticism that represents a departure from modernism. In Japanese, the term is usually expressed with the loanword ポストモダニズム or the native term 脱近代主義, though the former is far more common in everyday and academic contexts.
Referring to the broad intellectual and artistic movement characterized by skepticism, irony, and rejection of grand narratives.
The most common and widely understood term for postmodernism in Japanese. Used in academic, artistic, and casual contexts.
ポストモダニズムの建築は、過去の様式を引用することが多い。
Postmodern architecture often quotes past styles.
彼の作品はポストモダニズムの影響を強く受けている。
His work is strongly influenced by postmodernism.
A native Japanese term literally meaning 'post-modernism' or 'de-modernism'. Less common than the loanword, but sometimes used in philosophical or critical texts.
脱近代主義の思想家たちは、大きな物語の終焉を宣言した。
Postmodern thinkers declared the end of grand narratives.
Describing the cultural, social, or historical period characterized by postmodern traits.
A common phrase meaning 'the postmodern era'. ポストモダン is often used attributively.
ポストモダンの時代には、真実は相対的なものと見なされる。
In the postmodern era, truth is seen as relative.
A more academic phrase meaning 'postmodern condition', often used in sociological or philosophical discussions.
リオタールはポストモダン状況を「大きな物語の不信」と定義した。
Lyotard defined the postmodern condition as 'incredulity toward metanarratives'.
Specifically referring to the architectural movement that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by eclectic styles and historical references.
The standard term for postmodern architecture.
ポストモダン建築は、モダニズムの機能主義への反動として生まれた。
Postmodern architecture emerged as a reaction against modernist functionalism.
In most contexts, ポストモダニズム is the natural choice. 脱近代主義 is understood but can sound overly academic or literal. When in doubt, use the loanword.