Translation and Meaning of: 現代 - gendai

The Japanese word 現代[げんだい] is a fascinating term that often appears in discussions about society, culture, and even in animes and mangas. If you have ever wondered what it means exactly, how to use it correctly, or what its origins are, this article will clarify those doubts. Here, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to curiosities about its usage in contemporary Japan, all in a simple and straightforward manner.

In addition to being a common word in the Japanese vocabulary, 現代 carries important nuances that reflect Japan's view of the modern world. Whether for Japanese students or those curious about the language, understanding this term can open doors to deeper conversations about contemporary topics. Let's start with the basics: what this word represents and how it is written.

Meaning and writing of 現代

Gendai [げんだい] is composed of two kanji: 現 (gen), which means "present" or "current," and 代 (dai), which can be translated as "era" or "period." Together, they convey the idea of "present time" or "modern era." This word is often used to refer to the contemporary world, in contrast to historical periods such as the feudal era or pre-war Japan.

It is worth noting that 現代 is not limited to just the temporal aspect. It also carries a cultural connotation, being used to discuss trends, technologies, and behaviors of contemporary society. For example, when talking about "modern art," the Japanese may use 現代美術 (gendai bijutsu), showing how the term applies to different contexts.

Origin and Evolution of the term

The word 現代 emerged during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan was undergoing rapid social and technological transformations. At that time, the country sought to modernize, adopting Western aspects while maintaining its cultural roots. The term was coined to describe this new phase, marked by industrial advances and changes in lifestyle.

Interestingly, the meaning of 現代 is not fixed. What was considered "modern" in the early 20th century is not the same as today. Therefore, the term continues to evolve, keeping pace with societal changes. This flexibility makes it widely used in discussions about innovation, globalization, and even current challenges, such as environmental issues.

Everyday and cultural use

In daily life, the Japanese use 現代 in various contexts, from news to informal conversations. Phrases like "現代の社会" (gendai no shakai – the modern society) or "現代的な考え方" (gendaiteki na kangaekata – a modern way of thinking) are common. The term also appears in the names of institutions, such as museums and universities, reinforcing its relevance.

In pop culture, 現代 often emerges in animes and dramas that address conflicts between tradition and modernity. Series like "Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu" explore this duality, showing how Japan deals with its historical roots while advancing technologically. This type of representation helps to understand why the word is so present in the Japanese imagination.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 現代 is to associate it with current concepts. Think of words like "technology," "globalization," or "social networks" – all linked to the idea of modernity. Another tip is to observe the kanji 現, which also appears in terms like 現実 (genjitsu – reality) and 現在 (genzai – now), reinforcing the notion of the present.

Avoid confusing 現代 with similar terms like 近代 (kindai), which refers to the modern period (generally from the 19th century to the mid-20th century). While 近代 has a more defined historical sense, 現代 is open and dynamic, reflecting the constant movement of society. Paying attention to these details makes all the difference in learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

現代 (Gendai) - Modern, contemporary.
近代 (Kindai) - Modern era, generally associated with the period between the late 19th century and the early 20th century.
現世 (Gense) - Current world, present life.
現在 (Genzai) - Present, currently.
現況 (Genkyou) - Current condition, present situation.
現行 (Genkou) - Currently in force, current.
現代的 (Gendaiteki) - Modern, contemporary, reflecting the current time.
現代化 (Gendai-ka) - Modernization, the process of making something modern.
現代風 (Gendai-fuu) - Modern style, characteristic of the contemporary era.
現代人 (Gendai-jin) - Modern person, someone who lives in the contemporary era.
現代社会 (Gendai shakai) - Modern society, contemporary social structure.
現代建築 (Gendai kenchiku) - Modern architecture, contemporary architectural styles.
現代美術 (Gendai bijutsu) - Modern art, contemporary artistic practices.
現代音楽 (Gendai ongaku) - Modern music, compositions, and contemporary musical styles.
現代文学 (Gendai bungaku) - Modern literature, literary works of the contemporary era.
現代思想 (Gendai shisou) - Modern thought, contemporary philosophies.
現代医学 (Gendai igaku) - Modern medicine, current medical-scientific practices.
現代科学 (Gendai kagaku) - Modern science, concepts and current scientific theories.
現代技術 (Gendai gijutsu) - Modern technology, contemporary technological innovations.
現代言語 (Gendai gengo) - Modern language, languages spoken in the contemporary era.
現代教育 (Gendai kyouiku) - Modern education, contemporary teaching systems.
現代経済 (Gendai keizai) - Modern economy, theories and current economic practices.
現代政治 (Gendai seiji) - Modern politics, systems and contemporary political ideologies.
現代史 (Gendai shi) - Modern history, more recent historical periods.
現代語 (Gendai go) - Modern languages, contemporary forms of the language.
現代詩 (Gendai shi) - Modern poetry, poetic works of contemporary times.
現代演劇 (Gendai engeki) - Modern theater, contemporary plays and theatrical practices.
現代ダンス (Gendai dansu) - Modern dance, contemporary dance styles.

Related words

近代

kindai

nowadays

現代

Romaji: gendai
Kana: げんだい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: nowadays; modern times; current

Meaning in English: nowadays;modern times;present-day

Definition: Modern era.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (現代) gendai

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (現代) gendai:

Example Sentences - (現代) gendai

See below some example sentences:

電子技術は現代社会に欠かせないものです。

Denshi gijutsu wa gendai shakai ni kakasenai mono desu

Electronic technology is indispensable in modern society.

Electronic technology is indispensable to modern society.

電子技術 - electronic technology
は - Topic particle
現代社会 - Modern society
に - Location particle
欠かせない - indispensable
もの - thing
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

鉄鋼は現代社会において重要な産業です。

Tetsukou wa gendai shakai ni oite juuyou na sangyou desu

The steel industry is important in modern society.

Steel is an important industry in modern society.

鉄鋼 - steel
は - Topic particle
現代社会 - Modern society
において - in
重要な - important
産業 - industry
です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

コンピューターは現代社会に欠かせない存在です。

Konpyūtā wa gendai shakai ni kakasenai sonzai desu

Computers are an indispensable presence in modern society.

Computers are indispensable to modern society.

コンピューター - computer
は - Topic particle
現代社会 - Modern society
に - Location particle
欠かせない - indispensable
存在 - existence
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

現代はテクノロジーの進歩によって驚くべき変化を遂げています。

Gendai wa tekunorojī no shinpo ni yotte odorokubeki henka o togete imasu

The modern age has made incredible changes with technological advances.

現代 (Gendai) - means "current" or "modern"
は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
テクノロジー (tekunorojii) - a word borrowed from English meaning "technology"
の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship
進歩 (shinpo) - means "progress" or "advance"
によって (ni yotte) - expression that indicates the cause or means by which something happens
驚くべき (odoroku beki) - adjective meaning "surprising" or "astonishing"
変化 (henka) - means "change" or "transformation"
を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
遂げています (tasshite imasu) - verb meaning "to accomplish" or "to conclude" in the present progressive tense