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March 24, 2026
今jīn(jin1)
今 (jīn) primarily means 'today' or 'now.' It is commonly used to refer to the present time or current day, and can also imply modernity or the current state of affairs. In conversational and written Chinese, it often appears in contexts discussing plans, events, or situations occurring in the immediate timeframe.
Strokes4Radical人Frequency#1812DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'today' often emphasizes seizing the moment, reflecting a broader philosophical view of living in the present. Festivals and significant events are often centered around the current day, highlighting its importance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock striking noon, indicating 'now.' The character 今 looks like a person (the top horizontal line) standing on a platform (the bottom horizontal line), symbolizing standing in the present moment. Remember 'jīn' sounds like 'gin,' and think of enjoying a refreshing gin and tonic right now.
Meanings of 今
jīn(jin1)
1today
2modern
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About 今
今Simplified
4Strokes
人Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#1812Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1
Podcast: 今
Podcast: 今
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AI Study Notes for 今
Quick Contrast
今天 (jīntiān) vs 现在 (xiànzài) — use 今 for a more concise reference to 'today' or 'now' without additional context.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 今 with other time-related words like 昨 (zuó, yesterday) and 明 (míng, tomorrow). Use 今 primarily in informal contexts, though it is also acceptable in formal speech. Be cautious with tones; the correct pronunciation is with a high level tone (jīn).
HSK Study Tips
今 is relevant for HSK Level 1 learners as it relates to basic time expressions. Students should focus on using it in sentences to discuss daily activities or plans. It connects with other basic vocabulary related to time, like 明 and 昨.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 今 to refer to future events, such as saying '我明天去' (wǒ míngtiān qù) incorrectly as '我今去' (wǒ jīn qù). The correct way to indicate a future action would be to use 明天 (míngtiān, tomorrow).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 今
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How Well Do You Know 今?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 今 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
今 (jīn) primarily means 'today' or 'now.' It is commonly used to refer to the present time or current day, and can also imply modernity or the current state of affairs. In conversational and written Chinese, it often appears in contexts discussing plans, events, or situations occurring in the immediate timeframe.
When to use 今
Learners often confuse 今 with other time-related words like 昨 (zuó, yesterday) and 明 (míng, tomorrow). Use 今 primarily in informal contexts, though it is also acceptable in formal speech. Be cautious with tones; the correct pronunciation is with a high level tone (jīn).
今 or something close to it
今天 (jīntiān) vs 现在 (xiànzài) — use 今 for a more concise reference to 'today' or 'now' without additional context.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 今 to refer to future events, such as saying '我明天去' (wǒ míngtiān qù) incorrectly as '我今去' (wǒ jīn qù). The correct way to indicate a future action would be to use 明天 (míngtiān, tomorrow).
Write 今
今
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Grammar Patterns of 今
今 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
