現代
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
present age; present day; today
Refers to the current period in contrast to the past or future. Often used in phrases like 現代の～ (contemporary ~) or 現代社会 (modern society).
Modern technology is advancing every day.
The internet is indispensable in contemporary society.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
modern era; modern times
Often used in historical or academic contexts to refer to the modern period (e.g., post-Meiji or post-WWII). Can overlap with sense 1 but emphasizes the era as a whole.
Studying modern history helps you understand today's world.
This novel is set in the modern era.
Usage patterns
- 現代の〈事〉modern/contemporary ~
Modern education has become more diverse.
- 現代に生きるto live in modern times
Those of us living in the modern age are surrounded by a lot of information.
- 現代を代表するto be representative of / typify the present era
He is one of the writers representative of the modern era.
- 現代においてin modern times; in the present age
In the modern age, environmental issues are an important challenge.