这会儿

• Pinyin: zhè huìr
• Hanzi breakdown: 这 = 辶 + 文 (this); 会 = 人 + 云 (moment); 儿 = erhua suffix

Meaning

Right now; at this moment; at present. Colloquial expression for the current moment in time.

Informal spoken expression emphasizing the present moment. Often contrasted with other times: 那会儿 (at that time). Common in northern Mandarin. The 儿 is an erhua suffix typical of Beijing dialect.

Examples

1. 他这会儿正忙着开会，一个小时后才能回来。 He’s in a meeting right now and won’t be back for another hour.
2. 外面这会儿下着大雨，等雨停了再出门吧。 It’s pouring outside right now—let’s wait until the rain stops before going out.
3. 我这会儿没空，晚点再联系你。 I’m not free right now—reach out to me later.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, daily life, scheduling

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你这会儿方便接电话吗?(Are you available to take a call right now?)
• 这会儿天还亮着，我们赶紧把活儿干完。(It's still light right now; let's hurry and finish the work.)

Don't Say

• 这会儿时候 — redundant; 这会儿 already means 'this moment'; don't add 时候

Origin & History

这 (this) + 会儿 (moment/while)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal