1The modern era or present-day times, often referring to a period marked by modernization and development.
近代の技術革新は人々の生活を大きく変えた。
Technological innovation in the modern era has greatly changed people's lives.
近代に入ってから、都市への人口集中が進んだ。
Since entering the modern era, population concentration in cities has advanced.
近代建築は装飾を減らし、機能性を重視する傾向がある。
Modern architecture tends to reduce ornamentation and emphasize functionality.
2As a historical period, in Japanese history this usually refers to the era from the Meiji Restoration until the end of World War II.
この博物館では近代日本の産業発展について展示している。
This museum has exhibits on Japan's industrial development in the modern period.
近代文学の授業で夏目漱石の作品を読んだ。
In our modern literature class, we read works by Natsume Soseki.