Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 現在 | genzai | [ɡẽ̞nd͡za̠i] (narrow) |
| 現代では | gendai de wa | |
| 現代においては | gendai ni oite wa |
The phrase is used to refer to the present time or the current era. While 現在 often focuses on the immediate present or 'currently', the forms involving 現代 refer more broadly to the modern era or the present day within a historical or societal context.
Which one should you use?
現在 (genzai) is frequently used to mean 'at the present moment' or 'currently'. In contrast, 現代 (gendai) refers more broadly to the 'modern era' or 'present day'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal equivalent of 'nowadays', you can use 近年 (kin'nen), which translates to 'recent years'. The form 現代においては is highly formal and is typically used in academic writing, news reports or formal speeches.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the form 現代では, the particle combination では functions to set the time period as the context for the statement, similar to saying 'in the modern era' or 'as for nowadays.'
How do you pronounce it?
genzai
Did you know?
- The character 現 in both 現在 and 現代 originally depicted a cliff and a person, symbolizing something 'appearing' or 'coming into view'.
- In formal Japanese, if you want to say 'nowadays' to describe a trend that has been happening for a while, you might use 昨今 (sakkon), which literally refers to 'yesterday and today'.
- The word 現在 (genzai) contains the character 在, which means 'to exist'. It literally suggests a state of 'existing at this moment' rather than just a point on a timeline.
Examples in context
- 現在、多くの靴にプラスチック素材が使われています。Many shoes nowadays are made of plastics.This sentence shows how to use 現在 to describe current trends.Tatoeba #10170708 by bunbuku, translation #18697 by CK
- 離婚は現代ではますますありふれたものになりつつある。Divorce is becoming more common nowadays.This sentence demonstrates the use of 現代では to discuss societal changes.Tatoeba #78330 by mookeee, translation #325387 by CK
- 最近、テクノロジーの進歩が目覚ましいです。Lately, progress in technology has been remarkable.
- 現在は、オンラインで授業を受けることが可能です。genzai wa, onrain de jugyou o ukeru koto ga kanou desu.Nowadays, it is possible to take classes online.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about how people work.
- 健太 Kenta現在、在宅勤務が増えていますね。genzai, zaitaku kinmu ga fuete imasu ne.Nowadays, working from home is increasing, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、本当にそうだと思います。hai, hontou ni sou da to omoimasu.Yes, I really think so.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんは家で仕事していますか？Yui-san wa ie de shigoto shite imasu ka?Yui, do you work from home?
- 結衣 Yuiいいえ、私は毎日会社に行っています。iie, watashi wa mainichi kaisha ni itte imasu.No, I go to the office every day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nowadays” translations and entries 現在, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
