至今

• Pinyin: zhì jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 至 = pictograph of an arrow reaching its target; 今 = depicts the present moment

Meaning

To this day; until now; up to the present. Indicates that a situation has continued from a past point up to the present moment.

A more literary or formal way to say 'until now' or 'to this day.' Emphasises the duration and continuity from a past event to the present. Often used in historical, reflective, or narrative contexts. More formal than 到现在 but conveys the same meaning. Frequently appears in written Chinese.

Examples

1. 他离开家乡至今已经十年了。 It has been ten years since he left his hometown.
2. 这座桥建于一百年前，至今还在使用。 This bridge was built a hundred years ago and is still in use to this day.
3. 那件事至今我还记得很清楚。 I still remember that incident very clearly to this day.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, historical, reflective

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 他们至今仍然是好朋友。(They are still good friends to this day.)
• 这个传统至今已有几百年历史。(This tradition has a history of several hundred years to this day.)

Don't Say

• 至今我吃了早饭。(Don't use 至今 for completed actions — it emphasises ongoing states; say 刚才 or 已经 for simple past events)

Origin & History

至 (arrive, reach) + 今 (now, present). Literally 'reaching now,' meaning 'up to the present.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal