现在

• 拼音: xiàn zài
• 汉字拆解: 现 = 王 (jade) + 见 (to see) — something visible/present; 在 = existence/location

含义

Now; at present; currently. Refers to the current moment in time.

One of the most frequently used time words in Chinese. Can be placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence. Used to talk about what is happening right now, to make requests, or to contrast with the past or future.

例句

1. 现在几点了？
2. 我现在很忙。
3. 你现在在哪儿？

用法指南

语境: time, everyday

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 你现在有时间吗？(Do you have time now?)
• 现在出发吧。(Let's leave now.)

错误说法

• 在现在我很忙。(Unnatural — don't add 在 before 现在; just say 现在我很忙 or 我现在很忙)

起源与历史

A compound of 现 (to appear/present) and 在 (to be at/exist). Together they express the concept of 'being present at this moment.'

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal