现在离开
xiànzài líkāi
The English phrase 'leave now' is translated into Chinese as 现在离开 (xiànzài líkāi).
The phrase is used to express the act of departing from a place at the present moment. In Chinese, the time adverb for 'now' (现在) typically precedes the verb (离开) in a sentence.
What does it mean word for word?
现在离开 is composed of 现在 (xiànzài), meaning 'now' and 离开 (líkāi), meaning 'to leave'.
Which one should you use?
You may use 现在走 for a more casual tone or 赶快离开 if you want to emphasize the urgency of the departure.
How does it change in a sentence?
To add even more emphasis to the immediacy of the departure, you can say 现在就离开, which translates more closely to 'leave right away' by adding 就 (jiù) after 现在.
How do you pronounce it?
xiànzài líkāi
Did you know?
- The aggressive command to 'get out' uses the word 滚, which literally means 'to roll'. It evokes the image of someone rolling away like a ball.
- While 现在离开 is a direct translation, Chinese speakers often use the phrase 我先走了 (I'll go first) to 'leave now' as a way to maintain harmony and avoid sounding abrupt.
- The character 离 (lí) in 离开 originally depicted a grain plant being separated from its stalk, reflecting the core concept of detachment.
Examples in context
- 若您的时间有限，请现在离开。If you have limited time, please leave now.
- 请您立刻离开这个会议室。Please leave this meeting room immediately.
- 我们时间不多，现在走吧！We don't have much time, let's go now!
- 火警了，赶快离开这个区域！There's a fire alarm, leave this area quickly!
- 我们现在离开吧。Wǒmen xiànzài líkāi ba.Let's leave now.
- 如果你想现在离开，就请走吧。Rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng xiànzài líkāi, jiù qǐng zǒu ba.If you want to leave now, then please go.
- 雨停了，我们可以现在离开。Yǔ tíng le, wǒmen kěyǐ xiànzài líkāi.The rain has stopped, we can leave now.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding when to depart from a party.
- 佳怡 Jiayi太晚了，我们要不要现在离开？Tài wǎn le, wǒmen yào bù yào xiànzài líkāi?It's too late, should we leave now?
- 伟 Wei好啊，我也觉得该回去了。Hǎo a, wǒ yě juéde gāi huíqù le.Okay, I also think it's time to go back.
- 佳怡 Jiayi伟，你带好你的包了吗？Wěi, nǐ dài hǎo nǐ de bāo le ma?Wei, did you get your bag ready?
- 伟 Wei带好了，我们走吧。Dài hǎo le, wǒmen zǒu ba.I've got it, let's go.
