当今

• Pinyin: dāng jīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 当 = 彐 + 土 + 龙 (at, during); 今 = 亻+ 一 (today, now)

Meaning

The present time; nowadays; the current era. Refers to the contemporary world or current state of affairs.

A literary term for the present age, often contrasted with historical periods. Common in academic, journalistic, and formal writing to contextualise modern phenomena.

Examples

1. 当今社会，数字化转型已成为企业发展的核心驱动力。 In today's society, digital transformation has become a core driving force for business development.
2. 当今世界正面临气候变化带来的严峻挑战。 The world today is facing severe challenges brought about by climate change.
3. 当今的年轻人对职业发展的理解与前辈大相径庭。 Young people today understand career development very differently from earlier generations.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, journalism, social commentary

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 当今时代，人工智能正在深刻改变人类的生产方式。(In the present era, artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming human modes of production.)
• 当今国际形势复杂多变，各国必须加强合作。(The present international situation is complex and volatile; all nations must strengthen cooperation.)

Don't Say

• 当今我很忙 — 当今 refers to the current era, not a personal current state; use 现在 or 目前 for personal immediacy

Origin & History

当 (at) + 今 (now, today)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal