Chinese · Numbers & Time
现在
xiànzài
Now
Beginnernoun
Definition
The present moment.
Example
现在几点了？
What time is it now?
Etymology
'现在' (xiànzài) combines '现' (xiàn), meaning 'present', with '在' (zài), signifying 'to be at', indicating the current moment.
How & Where It’s Used
'现在' is frequently used in spoken and written Chinese to discuss the present moment, applicable in both casual conversations and formal language.