trend of the times; spirit of the age; current of the times
Refers to the prevailing social, political, or cultural trends of a particular period. Often used in discussions of adapting to or going against the times.
I always gather new information so as not to fall behind the times.
His way of thinking is out of step with the times.
時勢 emphasizes the state of affairs or spirit of the times as a backdrop for events, while 時流 highlights the flowing, trend-like movement of the era.
sense of the times; sensitivity to the changing times
Compound of 時 (time, era) and 勢 (force, momentum, trend). The combination conveys the idea of the driving forces or trends of a particular time.