Linguistics term referring to the Japanese language as used from the Meiji period onward, often contrasted with classical or pre-modern forms.
See also: 現代語
The grammar of modern Japanese differs greatly from that of classical Japanese.
現代語 is a broader term for any modern language, while 現代日本語 specifically refers to modern Japanese.
Compound of 現代 (modern era) and 日本語 (Japanese language).