现在

xiàn zài

HSK 2.0 Level 1 HSK 3.0 Level 1 Noun Very common

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Definitions

1. now
2. at present
3. at the moment
4. modern
5. current
6. nowadays

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 以前 yǐ qián 以前 yǐ qián before 过去的时间，与现在相对: before

Synonyms

3 items

• 目前 mù qián 目前 mù qián at the present time 都表示当前时间，但“目前”更正式: at the present time
• 当今 dāng jīn 当今 dāng jīn current 用于指现代、当代: current
• 当前 dāng qián 当前 dāng qián the present time 强调眼下，常用于正式场合: the present time

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not confuse 现在 (now) with 现代 (modern times). 现在 refers to the present moment, while 现代 refers to the contemporary era.

Formality

现在 is the standard, neutral word for 'now' and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Grammar

Guides that feature 现在

Jump into a full guide with fill-in-the-blank drills. Clicking will load the page and move you to the top.

2 guides

HSK 2.0 Level 1+ HSK 3.0 Level 1+ 6 min

Telling Time with 点, 分, 半, 刻 and 差

Tell and ask the time in Chinese with 点, 分 and 半, use 一刻 and 差, and put the time before the verb.

Reading: xiàn zài Open guide

HSK 2.0 Level 1+ HSK 3.0 Level 1+ 6 min

Time Before the Verb

Place time words like 今天, 明天, and 现在 before the verb phrase.

Reading: xiàn zài Open guide

Example Sentences

5 shown

现在 的社会越来越多元。

Modern society is becoming more and more diverse.

现在 ，互联网已经成为我们生活中不可缺少的一部分。

Nowadays, the internet has become an indispensable part of our lives.

现在 是下午三点。

It is now three o'clock in the afternoon.

现在 太晚了，再说我也不想去。

It's too late now, and besides I don't want to go.

现在 太晚了，我们回家吧。

It's too late now; let's go home.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 现在

• 到现在 到现在 dào xiàn zài: up until now
• 现在分词 现在分词 xiàn zài fēn cí: present participle (in English grammar)
• 现在式 现在式 xiàn zài shì: present tense
• 直到现在 直到现在 zhí dào xiàn zài: even now

Child Words of 现在

• 在 在 zài: to exist; to be alive
• 现 现 xiàn: to appear