noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
active duty; active service; currently working
Refers to someone currently serving in a role, especially military, but also used for professionals still active in their field (e.g., 現役の医師).
He is still an active firefighter.
My grandfather was a sailor during his active years.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
current student taking entrance exams; first-time exam passer
Used in the context of university entrance exams. 現役で means taking or passing exams while still enrolled in high school, as opposed to 浪人 (a student taking a gap year to retake exams).
See also: 浪人 (ろうにん)
He passed the University of Tokyo entrance exam on his first try while still in high school.
Study hours differ between current high school students and ronin students.
He passed the university entrance exam while still in high school.
He retired from active competition at the age of 30.
She is currently working as a practicing doctor.
He didn't announce his retirement and declared he would continue his active career.
現役 refers to being in active military or professional service, whereas 退役 specifically means having retired from that active service.
active career; working life; playing days
active player; player on the active list