目前

• 拼音: mù qián
• 汉字拆解: 目 = pictograph of an eye; 前 = 止 (stop/foot) + 刂 (knife), meaning forward or in front

含义

At present; currently; for now. Refers to the current situation or time.

A formal way of saying 'right now' or 'at this point'. Very common in news, reports, and formal conversation. Often used at the beginning of a sentence to set the time frame. More formal than 现在, which works in all registers. Frequently paired with 来看 (目前来看 = as things stand now).

例句

1. 目前我们还没有收到他的回复。
2. 目前的情况比去年好多了。
3. 他目前住在上海，下个月搬到北京。

用法指南

语境: news, reports, formal conversation

语气: informative

正确说法

• 目前一切都很顺利。(At present everything is going smoothly.)
• 目前来看，这个方案是最好的。(As things stand, this plan is the best.)

错误说法

• 我目前在吃饭呢。(Don't use 目前 for momentary actions in casual speech — it sounds overly formal. Use 现在 or 正在 instead.)

起源与历史

目 means eye; 前 means in front of. Together they mean what is before one's eyes — the present moment.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal