How to say "current" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 流れながれnounCovers a current as the movement of a fluid or gas — the flow of a river, an ocean current, or a draft of air; it names the flowing motion itself.
- 当面とうめんno-adjective, adverbCovers 'current' in the temporal sense — what is present, pressing, or impending right now; it carries a nuance of urgency, so it suits the problem or task at hand rather than a general state.
- 現行げんこうno-adjectiveCovers 'current' for things in operation or in force, such as laws, rules, or systems; it describes what is presently effective rather than a physical flow or a passing trend.
- 潮しおnounAs 'current' this is the sea's movement — the tide or tidal flow; it is really a tide word, so for a current of water in general 流れ is the safer choice.
- 風潮ふうちょうnounCovers 'current' only figuratively: a tide or current of opinion, feeling, or fashion in society. It is not a physical flow; think of the prevailing trend of the times.
Use 「流れ」 for the physical flow of water or air, 潮 for sea water and tides, 風潮 for figurative trends, 現行 for rules or systems in force, and 当面 for present, pressing concerns.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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