1.
modern language; contemporary language
The form of a language as it is currently spoken and written, as opposed to classical or archaic forms. In Japanese studies, refers to modern Japanese as distinct from classical Japanese (古語).
この古典を現代語に訳した。
I translated this classic into modern language.
現代語では使われなくなった表現も多い。
There are many expressions that are no longer used in modern language.
古文の授業では、まず原文を読んでから現代語訳を確認する。
In classical literature class, we first read the original text and then check the modern language translation.
USAGE:
A compound of 現代 (modern era) + 語 (language). Most commonly encountered in the context of Japanese education, where students study 古文 (classical texts) and translate them into 現代語. The term 現代語訳 (modern language translation) is especially common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 現代語訳 (modern language translation)
- 現代語に訳す (to translate into modern language)
- 現代語の意味 (meaning in modern language)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 古語: archaic/classical language — the opposite of 現代語
- 口語: colloquial/spoken language — modern spoken form as opposed to written form