语法 · HSK 1–2
现在 (xiànzài) vs 正在 (zhèngzài): "now" vs "-ing"
现在 is a time noun meaning "now / right now": 现在八点 "It is eight o'clock now". 正在 (or 在) is an adverb that goes directly before a verb to mark an action in progress ("is doing right now"): 他正在开会 "He is in a meeting right now". You can combine them in that order: 他现在正在开会, but never put 正在 before a noun, time or adjective.
句型Patterns
现在 + Time / Adjective / VerbTime word ("now"): 现在很冷, 你现在在哪儿？Subject + (现在) + 正在 / 在 + Verb (+ 呢)Action in progress: 妈妈正在做饭呢.Subject + 没(有)在 + VerbNot doing right now: 我没在看电视.
例句Examples
- 现在是早上八点半，我们出发吧。xiàn zài shì zǎo shàng bā diǎn bàn, wǒ men chū fā ba.It is 8:30 a.m. now; let's set off.
- 他正在洗澡呢，过一会儿再给他打电话吧。tā zhèng zài xǐ zǎo ne, guò yí huìr zài gěi tā dǎ diàn huà ba.He is taking a shower right now; call him back in a little while.
- 我以前不住在北京，现在住在北京。wǒ yǐ qián bú zhù zài běi jīng, xiàn zài zhù zài běi jīng.I didn't live in Beijing before, but I live in Beijing now.
常见错误Common mistakes
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✗正在几点了？
✓现在几点了？
正在 must be followed by an action verb; for the noun "now", use 现在.
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✗他正在很忙。
✓他现在很忙。
Adjectives like 忙 or 累 do not take 正在; use 现在.
重点词语Words in this guide
Common questions
Can I use 在 instead of 正在?
Yes: 他在看书 and 他正在看书 both mean "He is reading". 正在 stresses "right in the middle of" the action.