Translation guide
How to express 'the times' in Japanese, referring to the current era, trends, or historical period.
Referring to the present period in history, often with a sense of its character or spirit.
The most common and versatile word for 'era' or 'times'. Can be used for both current and historical periods.
The current times are an information society.
Times have changed.
Specifically means 'modern times' or 'the present age'. More formal and often used in academic or written contexts.
Modern times are a stressful era.
A somewhat literary term for 'the times' or 'the age', often used in fixed phrases like 時世に遅れる (fall behind the times).
I try to keep up with the times.
Referring to the prevailing attitudes, fashions, or movements of a period.
Means 'current of the times' or 'trend'. Often used in phrases like 時流に乗る (ride the wave of the times).
He always keeps up with the times.
Primarily means 'fashion' or 'trend', but can be used to talk about what is popular in the times.
Literally 'the flow of the times', used to describe the direction in which society is moving.
You can't go against the times.
Referring to a period characterized by hardship or significant change.
Means 'season' or 'times', often used in the context of the current situation or circumstances, especially when they are challenging.
Given the times, let's exercise restraint.
A common phrase meaning 'precisely because of these times', used to emphasize the need for something in the current situation.
Referring to a specific era in the past.
The English phrase 'the times' is often not directly translated. Instead, Japanese uses specific nouns like 時代 or 時流 depending on the nuance. Translating word-for-word as その時々 is possible but less natural in many contexts.
When referring to a named historical period, 時代 is attached directly to the name, e.g., 江戸時代 (Edo period), 平成時代 (Heisei era). For decades, use 年代, e.g., 1990年代 (the 1990s).
今の流行は何ですか。
What's in fashion these days?
In times like these, mutual support is essential.
1960年代は大きな変化の時代だった。
The 1960s were a time of great change.