Modern or contemporary language; the language currently used by people (a living language).
古い資料を現代語に訳して読みやすくした。
I translated the old document into modern language to make it easier to read.
この辞書は古語と現代語の対照が分かりやすい。
This dictionary clearly contrasts archaic and modern language.
現代語の用例を集めて、教科書に載せた。
I collected examples of contemporary usage and included them in the textbook.
Specifically regarding Japanese: modern Japanese — the form of Japanese used since the Meiji era or, alternatively, since the end of WWII.
古典文学を現代語で注釈することで、学生の理解を助ける。
Annotating classical literature in modern Japanese helps students' understanding.
現代語に翻訳すると、元の表現の味は変わることがある。
When translated into modern Japanese, the flavor of the original expression can change.