Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| actuellement | /ak.tɥɛl.mɑ̃/ |
| maintenant | /mɛ̃t.nɑ̃/ /mɛ̃.tə.nɑ̃/ |
| à l'heure actuelle | /a l‿œʁ ak.tɥɛl/ |
These terms are used to describe something happening at this moment. While actuellement and maintenant both describe things happening now, actuellement often implies a temporary state or a current period of time, whereas maintenant is more immediate. You can also use the phrase en ce moment to mean 'at the moment' or 'currently'.
Which one should you use?
Maintenant is often used for the immediate 'now', whereas actuellement implies a current period or a temporary situation. To express the English meaning of 'at present' or 'at the moment' in a more formal context, you may use À présent.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, the word présentement is frequently used instead of actuellement or en ce moment to convey the meaning of 'currently'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word actuellement is pronounced /ak.tɥɛl.mɑ̃/ and consists of 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use actuellement to mean 'actually' (as in 'in fact'). This is a common mistake for English speakers. To express 'actually' in French, use en fait instead.
Did you know?
- The word maintenant originates from the Old French words for 'hand' and 'holding'. It literally suggests the idea of holding something in one's hand right now.
- In Quebec, présentement is a common staple of daily speech, whereas in France it carries a much more formal or old-fashioned tone.
- While actuellement means 'currently' in French, its English relative 'actually' shifted meaning over time to mean 'in fact', creating a classic 'false friend' trap for learners.
Examples in context
- Il fait actuellement -10 °C.It is currently -10°C.This sentence uses actuellement to describe a current temperature.Tatoeba #4323393 by gillux, translation #1487694 by marshmallowcat
- Je vis maintenant en Suisse.I currently live in Switzerland.This sentence uses maintenant to indicate a current place of residence.Tatoeba #12354843 by Rovo, translation #12219841 by Orange
- Je vis actuellement à Boston.I currently live in Boston.This sentence uses actuellement to indicate a current place of residence.Tatoeba #6307803 by Aiji, translation #4731506 by CK
- Actuellement, je travaille sur un projet très importantCurrently, I am working on a very important project
- Nous sommes à présent en train de finaliser les préparatifsWe are currently finalizing the preparations
- En ce moment, nous nous concentrons sur l'expansion de notre entrepriseCurrently, we are focusing on expanding our business
- Je suis maintenant en train de regarder un filmI am currently watching a movie
- En ce moment même, je suis en train de déjeuner avec des amisRight at this very moment, I am having lunch with friends
- À l'heure actuelle, je suis assez occupé avec mes étudesCurrently, I am quite busy with my studies
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking on the phone about work.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu travailles sur ce projet actuellement ?Are you currently working on this project?
- HugoNon, je ne suis pas disponible actuellement.No, I am not currently available.
- ChloéD'accord, quand seras-tu libre ?Okay, when will you be free?
- HugoJe t'appellerai plus tard ce soir.I will call you later this evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “currently” translations and entries actuellement, maintenant, à l'heure actuelle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries actuellement, maintenant, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
