現在
genzai[ɡẽ̞nd͡za̠i]
The English word 'currently' is translated into Japanese as 現在 (genzai).
現在 is used to describe an objective or current status and situation. It is frequently used in formal contexts such as business settings, news reports or official documents.
Meaning: at this moment (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 現在 is used for a more formal or objective 'currently', the word 今 (ima) is the common, everyday way to say 'now'. Additionally, adding the particle では to the word creates 現在では (genzai de wa), which means 'currently' or 'nowadays' and is used to emphasize a contrast between the past and the current state.
How does it change in a sentence?
現在 functions as both a noun and an adverb. It is often placed at the beginning of a clause or positioned before a verb to indicate the present state.
How do you pronounce it?
genzai
Did you know?
- In Japanese business emails, 現在 is often used in the phrase 現在検討中 to politely signal that a request is being processed without committing to a specific deadline.
- The word 現在 is composed of characters meaning 'now' and 'existence'. In a philosophical or Buddhist context, it can refer to the 'eternal present' rather than just a point on a timeline.
- While English speakers use 'currently' for both transient and permanent states, using 現在 in Japanese can sometimes feel too permanent or static if you are describing a temporary situation like 'I am currently eating'.
Examples in context
- 彼は現在ドイツで暮らしています。He is currently living in Germany.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 現在 to describe a current living situation.Tatoeba #9106970 by small_snow, translation #9103900 by Adelpa
- トムは現在、父親の会社で働いている。Tom currently works for his father's company.This sentence shows how to use 現在 to describe a current place of employment.Tatoeba #11331181 by bunbuku, translation #1095002 by CK
- 今現在、何か飲んでいる薬はありますか？Are you currently taking any kind of medication?This sentence demonstrates how to use 現在 when asking about a current state regarding medication.Tatoeba #8815926 by bunbuku, translation #3114040 by CK
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a project at work.
- 結衣 Yui現在、プロジェクトの進捗はどうですか？Genzai, purojekuto no shinchoku wa dō desu ka?How is the project progress currently?
- 陽太 Yotaだいたい半分まで終わりました。Daitai hanbun made owarimashita.It is mostly half finished.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。何か困っていることはありますか？Ii desu ne. Nanika komatte iru koto wa arimasu ka?That's good. Is there anything you're struggling with?
- 陽太 Yotaいえ、特にありません。Ie, tokuni arimasen.No, not particularly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 現在, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
