now in Chinese
xiàn zài ·now; at present ·14 strokes HSK 1
now in Chinese is 现在, pronounced xiàn zài.
How to write 现在
Animated stroke order. Tap a character to replay its stroke order.
Stroke order of 现
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Stroke order of 在
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HSK level
HSK 1现在 is listed in the official HSK vocabulary at HSK 1. The beginner band covers the first, most essential words every learner needs.
现在 in a sentence
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现 在 几 点 了 ？What time is it now?
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我 现 在 很 忙 。I am busy now.
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我 们 现 在 走 吧 。Let's go now.
现在 vs 正在 vs 目前
Similar and easily confused words, and how they differ.
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正在 zhèng zài right now (in progress)
正在 marks an action in progress — 我正在吃饭 'I'm eating right now'. 现在 names the time 'now'.
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目前 mù qián at present (formal)
Formal 'currently' — 目前情况 'the current situation'. More written than 现在.