现在 xiànzài now
How to remember 现在: 现 the present + 在 at = now.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Now, right now' - 现在几点? (xiànzài jǐ diǎn?) what time is it now?
- A time word, so it sits before the verb: 我现在很忙 (wǒ xiànzài hěn máng) I'm busy now, not after it.
Example sentences
- 现在几点钟？ Xiànzài jǐ diǎn zhōng?What time is it now?
- 现在是九点。 Xiànzài shì jiǔ diǎn.It's nine o'clock now.
- 现在是九点一刻。 Xiànzài shì jiǔ diǎn yī kè.It's a quarter past nine.
- 现在的气温是零度。 Xiànzài de qìwēn shì líng dù.The current temperature is zero degrees.