近代

• Reading: きんだい
• Romaji: kindai
• Kanji breakdown: 近 (kin/chika) — near, recent; 代 (dai/yo) — generation, era
• Pronunciation: /kiɴ.da.i/

Meaning

Present day; modern times; recent times. The era of modernisation and industrialisation.

A noun referring to the modern historical period. In Japanese historiography, 近代 typically covers the Meiji era through WWII (1868–1945), distinguished from 現代 (gendai, contemporary/post-WWII). Common compounds: 近代化 (kindai-ka, modernisation), 近代的 (kindai-teki, modern-style), 近代史 (kindai-shi, modern history).

Examples

1. 日本の近代化は明治時代に始まった。 Japan's modernization began in the Meiji era.
2. 近代文学の授業はとても面白い。 The modern literature class is really interesting.
3. この建物は近代的なデザインで有名だ。 This building is famous for its modern design.

Usage Guide

Context: history, academia, literature

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 近 (kin, near/recent) and 代 (dai, era/generation). Literally 'the near era', referring to the historical period closest to the present.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated