How to Say “Right now” in Chinese
Time and dates · HSK 2
"Right now" in Chinese is 现在 (xiàn zài). 现在 is the standard word for 'now' and works in every register, but native speakers often swap in 这会儿 (zhè huìr) in casual northern Mandarin; it feels warmer, like 'this moment right here'. In Taiwan you'll hear 現在 used almost exclusively; 这会儿 sounds very Beijing.
Primary translation
现在
xiàn zài
Traditional: 現在
Variants by register
Formal
现在
xiàn zài
Casual
这会儿
zhè huìr
When to use it
现在 is the standard word for 'now' and works in every register, but native speakers often swap in 这会儿 (zhè huìr) in casual northern Mandarin; it feels warmer, like 'this moment right here'. In Taiwan you'll hear 現在 used almost exclusively; 这会儿 sounds very Beijing. Grammar note: Chinese has no verb tense, so 现在 plus the bare verb handles present tense. Add 正在 before the verb if you want to stress the action is actively happening.
Example sentences
我现在很忙。
Wǒ xiàn zài hěn máng.
I'm busy right now.
现在几点了？
Xiàn zài jǐ diǎn le?
What time is it right now?
这会儿人太多了，等一下吧。
Zhè huìr rén tài duō le, děng yí xià ba.
There are too many people right now, let's wait a bit.