Translation guide
The English word "current" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean a flow of water/electricity, the present time, or a trend.
Describing a moving stream of water, air, or similar fluid.
General word for a flow or stream. Can be used for water, air, people, traffic, etc.
Specifically an ocean current.
黒潮は暖かい海流です。
The Kuroshio is a warm ocean current.
An air current or airflow. Often used in technical or aviation contexts.
上昇気流に乗る。
To ride an updraft (rising air current).
Referring to the flow of electric charge.
The standard term for electric current.
電流が流れている。
An electric current is flowing.
この回路の電流を測ってください。
Please measure the current in this circuit.
Meaning 'happening now' or 'of the present period'.
Means 'now' or 'present'. Can be used as a noun or adverb. Formal and neutral.
現在の状況を説明してください。
Please explain the current situation.
現在、東京に住んでいます。
Currently, I live in Tokyo.
Casual and common word for 'now'. Can be used attributively with の.
今の気持ちは？
How do you feel right now? (lit. What is your current feeling?)
Refers to the current state of affairs or present conditions, often in business or formal contexts.
Means 'currently in effect' (laws, systems, etc.). Used attributively.
Referring to a prevailing tendency or direction of thought/opinion.
Also used metaphorically for trends, as in 'the flow of the times'.
時代の流れに乗る。
Go with the current of the times.
Means 'tendency' or 'trend'. More analytical than 流れ.
Literally 'tidal current', used figuratively for a major trend or movement in society.
現在 (げんざい) is more formal and often used in written or official contexts. 今 (いま) is the everyday word for 'now'. When modifying a noun, 現在の is formal, while 今の is casual. For 'currently' as an adverb, 現在 is common in news reports, while 今 is used in conversation.
現在のところ、問題はありません。
At the current moment, there are no problems. (formal)
今のところ、大丈夫。
So far, it's okay. (casual)
The loanword カレント (karento) is rarely used in Japanese except in specific compound terms like カレントディレクトリ (current directory) in computing. For most meanings, use the native Japanese words above.
現状を維持する。
Maintain the current state.
現行の法律では禁止されています。
It is prohibited under the current law.
最近の傾向として、オンラインショッピングが増えている。
As a recent trend, online shopping is increasing.
歴史の潮流に逆らう。
Go against the current of history.