現在

genzai

present

現在、私は東京に住んでいます。

I currently live in Tokyo.

general

the present time; now

現在の状況を説明してください。

Please explain the current situation.

Often used to refer to the time being discussed or experienced.

formal

current; present (as in 'current state')

現在の経済状況は不安定です。

The current economic situation is unstable.

Used in formal contexts to describe the existing state of affairs.

Collocations

現在の状況current situation現在の問題current problem現在の位置current position

Synonyms

今現在時現時点

Antonyms

過去未来

Related Phrases

現在進行形phrase

present continuous tense

現在の状況phrase

current situation

Pro Tip

Time vs. State

'現在' can refer to both time and state, but in most cases, it means 'now' or 'current time.'

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

In formal writing, '現在' is preferred over '今' to refer to the present time.

Word Origin

From Middle Chinese 現 (hyén, 'appear') + 在 (tsyæ, 'be at'). The term refers to the time that is currently being experienced or observed.

Usage Notes

While '現在' can mean both 'present time' and 'current state,' it is most commonly used to refer to the time being discussed. For spatial contexts, '現在地' (current location) is often used.

Word Breakdown

現

appear

root

在

be at

root

和英辞典

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