(xiàn zài) - now, at present in Mandarin
xiànzàiTraditional: 現在
Translation
now, at present
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Word origin
A two-character compound meaning now. 现 (xiàn) 'to appear, present' has the 玉 'jade' radical with 见 (jiàn) 'to see' as phonetic, and 在 (zài) 'to exist, at' marks present existence.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 现 (xiàn, 'present'; 玉 radical + 见 phonetic) + 在 (zài, 'to exist/at')
Stroke order
现
在
Examples
?
What time is it now?
,。
I am very busy now, let us talk later.
。
Young people nowadays all like using their phones.
。
I am setting off right now.
?
Where are you now?
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(20)两碗米饭
2 min read · Core 1000
我只想买花
2 min read · Core 1000
在浩轩的家
2 min read · Core 5000
打电话
3 min read · Core 1000
电影还是公园
3 min read · Core 5000
迷路
3 min read · Core 1000
手机在哪儿
3 min read · Core 5000
新学生
3 min read · Core 5000
早上的市场
3 min read · Core 1000
寒假去台湾
4 min read · Core 5000
老样子
4 min read · Core 1000
香港的暑假
4 min read · Core 5000
错过的火车
5 min read · Core 5000
等了三年
5 min read · Core 5000
都变了
5 min read · Core 5000
山不见了
5 min read · Core 5000
看场合
5 min read · Core 1000
三天
5 min read · Core 5000
一直开
5 min read · Core 5000
有钱没时间
5 min read · Core 5000
Grammar articles
(9)Mandarin Verb Conjugation: Why There Isn't Any
The Mandarin Copula 是 (shì): To Be, and When to Leave It Out
就 (jiù) vs 才 (cái) in Mandarin: Early vs Late
How to Use 了 (le) in Mandarin: Completion vs Change
Mandarin Modal Verbs: 会, 能, 可以, 想, 要 and 应该
Mandarin Time, Dates and Money: 点, 年月日 and 块
Mandarin Question Words: 什么, 谁, 哪儿 and the Full List
Unless and In Case in Mandarin: 除非, 万一 and 要不是
又 vs 再 vs 还 in Mandarin: Three Ways to Say Again
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Mandarin · Free printables
现在: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "现在" (now, at present): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
This word is taught in chapter 2, lesson 5: 现在, 你们, 呢 and 7 more words.