teraz
/ˈtɛ.ras/
The English word 'now' is translated into Polish as teraz. Wiktionary also lists aktualnie and obecnie.
Meaning: at the present time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| teraz | /ˈtɛ.ras/ /ˈtɛ.ras/ (Middle, Polish) |
|
| aktualnie | /ak.tuˈal.ɲɛ/ | |
| obecnie | /ɔˈbɛt͡s.ɲɛ/ /ɔˈbɛt͡s.ɲɛ/ (Middle, Polish) |
|
| nynie | archaic | |
| w tej chwili | /ˈf‿tɛj ˈxfi.li/ | |
| w tym momencie |
If you want to emphasize that something is happening at this exact instant, you can use the phrase w tej chwili. To say 'at this moment', you can use w tym momencie. The phrase właśnie teraz is used to mean 'right now'. If you need to express urgency, the word natychmiast can be used to mean 'immediately' or 'right away'.
Which one should you use?
While teraz refers to the immediate present moment, obecnie is more often used to describe a general current state or a period of time, such as 'currently' or 'presently'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
teraz is pronounced /ˈtɛ.ras/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word teraz was originally formed by combining the words for 'this' and 'once', essentially meaning 'this one time'.
- While teraz is the standard word for 'now', the form nynie is an archaic version that you will mostly encounter in old literature or poetry.
- In some Polish dialects, you might hear the phrase na teraz, which implies that something is needed immediately for use at this very moment.
Examples in context
- Nie ma go teraz.He isn't here now.This sentence uses teraz to show someone is not present.Tatoeba #593390 by buari, translation #591771 by CK
- Teraz to ma sens.It makes sense now.This sentence uses teraz to describe something that makes sense at the present time.Tatoeba #1614345 by zipangu, translation #1613135 by Spamster
- Ile ma teraz lat?How old is he now?This sentence uses teraz to ask about a person's current age.Tatoeba #3005199 by jeedrek, translation #2182740 by Hybrid
- Teraz jest dobry czasNow is a good time
- Aktualnie pracuję nad projektemI'm currently working on the project
- Czekaj, zaraz to zrobię, natychmiast!Wait, I'll do it now, immediately!
- 612 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Małgorzata are discussing their schedule for the afternoon.
- PiotrCo robisz teraz?What are you doing now?
- MałgorzataTeraz muszę iść do pracy.Now I have to go to work.
- PiotrMożemy pogadać później?Can we talk later?
- MałgorzataTak, zadzwonię do ciebie wieczorem.Yes, I will call you in the evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “now” translations and entries teraz, aktualnie, obecnie, w tej chwili, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aktualnie, obecnie, teraz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
