Translation guide
Refers to the current era, contemporary society, or this life as opposed to the afterlife or past/future worlds. In Japanese, the expression depends on whether you mean 'modern society', 'this world (vs. heaven/hell)', or 'the current age'.
Referring to the world we live in now, with its social, cultural, and technological aspects.
The most common and neutral term for 'modern times' or 'the present age'. Used in academic, formal, and everyday contexts.
現代社会では、テクノロジーが急速に進歩している。
In the present world, technology is advancing rapidly.
Specifically 'modern society' or 'contemporary society'. Often used when discussing social issues.
現代社会はストレスが多い。
The present world is full of stress.
A more colloquial way to say 'the world today' or 'these days'. Conveys a sense of current trends or atmosphere.
今の世の中、何が起こるかわからない。
In the present world, you never know what will happen.
Contrasting the physical, mortal world with spiritual or otherworldly realms.
Literally 'this world'. Commonly used in religious, philosophical, or poetic contexts to refer to the world of the living.
この世には不思議なことがたくさんある。
There are many mysterious things in this world.
A more formal or Buddhist term for 'this world' or 'the present life', often contrasted with the afterlife (来世).
Emphasizing the historical period we are in now, often in contrast to past eras.
Same as above, but used here to stress the historical 'now'. Very versatile.
現代は情報化社会だ。
The present world is an information society.
A somewhat literary or old-fashioned term for 'the present age' or 'these days'. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
Use 現代 (げんだい) when talking about modern society, technology, or culture. Use この世 when contrasting the physical world with spiritual realms or in poetic expressions. 現代 is more academic; この世 is more philosophical or everyday.
現代の医学はすごい。
Modern medicine is amazing.
この世に生まれてきた意味を考える。
I think about the meaning of being born into this world.
Directly translating 'the present world' as 現在の世界 (げんざいのせかい) is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural and overly literal. It is rarely used by native speakers. Stick to the options above.
Actions in the present world affect the next life.
当世の若者は礼儀を知らないと言われる。
It is said that young people in the present world lack manners.