现任

• Pinyin: xiàn rèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 现 = 王 + 见 (present); 任 = 亻+ 壬 (hold position)

Meaning

To currently hold a position; incumbent. As an adjective, current or present (of office holders).

Specifically refers to the person currently holding a particular position or role, in contrast to former or future holders. Common in political, organizational, and relationship contexts.

Examples

1. 现任总统将于下月访问欧洲。 The current president will visit Europe next month.
2. 她的现任男友是一名医生。 Her current boyfriend is a doctor.
3. 公司现任CEO是从基层提拔上来的。 The company’s current CEO was promoted from the ground up.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, organizations, relationships

Tone: official

Do Say

• 现任领导班子非常重视人才培养。(The current leadership team places great importance on talent development.)
• 他与现任妻子结婚已有十年。(He has been married to his current wife for ten years.)

Don't Say

• 我的现任书 — 现任 is for people in positions, not objects; use 现在的 for current objects

Origin & History

现 (current) + 任 (hold office)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal