现在 xiàn zài
“now; at present; at the moment”
time wordHSK 1 · 2021 list level 1Traditional 現在
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
现在 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 232: 现在 xiànzài — Level 1; official annotation 1 (名). PDF page 85
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 现在
现在 means "now" and refers to the present moment or the current time. It is a time word that usually comes before the verb or at the start of the sentence. It is often used in contrast with past or future times.
例句Example sentences
- 现在是几点？xiàn zài shì jǐ diǎn?What time is it now?
- 我现在很忙。wǒ xiàn zài hěn máng.I am very busy now.
- 现在我们去吃饭吧。xiàn zài wǒ men qù chī fàn ba.Let's go eat now.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我吃饭现在。
✓我现在吃饭。
Time words like 现在 come before the verb, not after it.
易混词Easily confused
现在vs正在
现在 means "now" (a time word), while 正在 means "in the middle of doing" and goes right before a verb.