now; at present; currently
现在
now; at present; currently
Right now, at present. Combines 现 (manifest/appear) and 在 (existing right here).
Common Usage & Traps
- 现在几点 — What time is it now?
- 现在开始 — start now
- 现在的生活 — life now; current life
- 现在这个时候 — right now; at this moment
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现在的时候现在 / 现在这个时候现在 already means 'now'; 的时候 adds 'when/during', so stacking them is redundant. For emphasis, say 现在这个时候.
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在现在现在Don't put 在 directly before bare 现在. 现在 works as the time word by itself; 在 is for places or longer phrases like 在现在这个社会.
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我忙现在我现在很忙Time words like 现在 go before the verb, not after it.
Does 现在 go before or after the verb?
Put 现在 before the verb, not after it.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Normal sentence | 我现在很忙 | 我忙现在 |
| Topic emphasis | 现在我很忙 | 我忙现在 |
| With a verb | 现在开始 | 开始现在 |
Can you say 在现在 for 'at present'?
Bare 现在 does not take 在. Say 现在, not 在现在.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 'At present' | 现在 | 在现在 |
| Time before a verb | 现在开始 | 在现在开始 |
| Longer phrase with a noun | 在现在这个社会 | 在现在 |
Why does the sentence say 现在的新电影 instead of 现在新电影?
Use 现在的新电影 for 'today's new movies'; 现在新电影 sounds like a time setting.
“有的时候,老电影比现在的新电影有意思。” (Sometimes, old movies are more interesting than today's new movies.)
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Label before a noun | 现在的新电影 | 现在新电影 |
| Time word before a verb | 现在开始 | 开始现在 |
Appears in Stories 9 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
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朋友跟他开玩笑说:“你以前一直待在东山, 现在 终于愿意出来重新开始了。”
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现在 ,我们用“东山再起”来形容一个人失败或退出后,通过努力又重新获得成功。
This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.
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我给女朋友买了一个苹果, 现在 没钱了。
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打一次要一百多, 现在 我只在马路上慢跑了。
Join a family on a sweltering Beijing Sunday as a boy learns a funny lesson about playing outside in the summer heat. Perfect for HSK 1 learners.
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现在 是北京的七月,天气很热。
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“ 现在 是下午,天气太热“。
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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事实上,油炸方便面的含油量比中国人传统常吃的油条,以及 现在 年轻人喜欢的炸薯条、炸土豆片什么的低很多,只是它们的二分之一不到。
Is four years to reach HSK 5 fast or slow? Follow a conversation between two learners as they compare study hours and share realistic strategies for busy adults.
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A:你 现在 是HSK几级?
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B:我 现在 是HSK五级。
Join a beginner as they ask a Chinese friend to teach them how to cook. This simple HSK 1 dialogue shows that learning one dish at a time is the best way to start.
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小米说,我再问你一个问题,你 现在 会做什么菜呢?
In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.
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有的时候,老电影比 现在 的新电影有意思。
This heartwarming story reveals the quiet devotion of a father. As you read, notice the repeated actions and how a simple cup of tea becomes meaningful.
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现在 ,他去北京工作了。
Ever wondered where old Beijing's tea-drinking culture has gone? Follow a visitor discovering why locals now avoid famous tea houses—and practice expressing surprise and comparisons in Chinese along the way.
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他说, 现在 喜欢去茶馆喝茶的老北京不很多了。
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因为他们不喜欢 现在 的茶馆。
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