Translation guide
Expresses the current period in contrast to the past. In Japanese, it is often conveyed through time adverbs, contextual phrases, or by contrasting past and present states.
To refer to the present time period in a general sense, often implying a change from the past.
Means 'lately' or 'recently'. It is the most common and neutral way to express 'these days' when talking about recent trends or personal experiences.
最近、よく雨が降りますね。
It's been raining a lot these days, hasn't it?
最近、運動するようにしています。
These days, I'm trying to exercise.
Similar to 最近, but slightly more subjective and often used for personal observations or feelings. It can sound a bit more colloquial.
このごろ、疲れやすいんです。
These days, I get tired easily.
Very similar to このごろ, but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in writing or polite speech.
近ごろ、若者の読書離れが進んでいる。
These days, young people are reading less and less.
Means 'nowadays' with a nuance of 'in this day and age'. Often used to comment on modern trends, sometimes with a critical or surprised tone.
今どき、そんな古い携帯使ってるの？
You're still using such an old phone these days?
To explicitly contrast how things were before with how they are now.
A clear pattern to contrast past and present. Use 以前 (before) for the past state and 最近 (these days) for the current state.
以前は毎日外食していたが、最近は自炊するようになった。
I used to eat out every day, but these days I've started cooking for myself.
Uses 昔 (long ago) for a more distant past, and 今 (now) for the present. Suitable for bigger changes over time.
昔は手紙を書いていたけど、今はメールばかりだ。
I used to write letters, but these days it's all email.
To refer to the present circumstances, often when explaining a current state or decision.
Means 'for now' or 'as of now'. It emphasizes the current situation without necessarily implying a change from the past, but often used when things might change later.
今のところ、問題はありません。
There are no problems these days / as of now.
Formal word for 'currently' or 'at present'. Used in official contexts or written language.
The phrase 'these days' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word as これらの日々 (korera no hibi) is unnatural and never used. Instead, choose an appropriate time adverb based on context.
最近 (saikin) is the most versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. このごろ (konogoro) is slightly more subjective and often used for personal matters. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 最近 is safer for beginners.
最近は、現金をあまり使わなくなりましたね。
These days, people don't use cash much.
現在、システムは正常に動作しています。
These days / Currently, the system is operating normally.