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目前 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
目前mùqiánat the present timeHSK 4, t, 14 strokes, rank #1070, Medium
目前mùqiáncurrentlyHSK 4, t, 14 strokes, rank #1070, Medium
mùqián(mu4qian2)mu qian T4
  1. 1at the present time
  2. 2currently
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March 24, 2026

目前mùqián(mu4qian2)

目前 refers to the present time or current situation. It is commonly used in discussions about current events, circumstances, or conditions, emphasizing the immediacy of the context.

Strokes14Frequency#1070DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

In Chinese business contexts, 目前 is frequently used in reports and presentations to discuss the current state of projects or market trends, reflecting the importance of staying updated in a fast-paced environment.

Memory tip

Imagine a clock showing the exact moment you need to act, representing 'currently'. The character 目 (mù) resembles an eye, suggesting you are looking at what is happening right now, while 前 (qián) means 'in front', symbolizing the present time ahead of you.

Meanings of 目前

mùqián(mu4qian2)
1at the present time
2currently
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 目前

目前Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#1070Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

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AI study notes for 目前

Quick Contrast

现在 (xiànzài) refers to the present moment, while 目前 (mùqián) emphasizes the current situation or context.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 目前 with similar terms like 现在 (xiànzài), which is also 'now'. 目前 is slightly more formal and often used in written contexts. Typical collocations include 目前情况 (current situation) and 目前发展 (current developments).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 目前 connects to other time-related vocabulary such as 现在 (now) and 最近 (recently). Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe ongoing situations or updates.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 目前 in everyday speech where 现在 would be more natural. For example, saying '我目前去商店' instead of '我现在去商店' is incorrect; use '现在' to convey 'now'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 目前

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Component characters

目mùeye
HSK 15 strokes目
View full entry
前qiánfront
HSK 19 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say at the present time in Chinese

“at the present time” in Chinese is目前mùqián

目前 refers to the present time or current situation. It is commonly used in discussions about current events, circumstances, or conditions, emphasizing the immediacy of the context.

When to use 目前

Be cautious not to confuse 目前 with similar terms like 现在 (xiànzài), which is also 'now'. 目前 is slightly more formal and often used in written contexts. Typical collocations include 目前情况 (current situation) and 目前发展 (current developments).

目前 or something close to it

现在 (xiànzài) refers to the present moment, while 目前 (mùqián) emphasizes the current situation or context.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 目前 in everyday speech where 现在 would be more natural. For example, saying '我目前去商店' instead of '我现在去商店' is incorrect; use '现在' to convey 'now'.

Write 目前

目
前

Practice writing 目前 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 目前

目前 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

到____为止，他还没有出过什么错。

Up until now, he hasn't made any mistakes.

Example sentences for 目前 (10)

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1
目前，30%的爬行动物、鸟类和鱼类面临灭绝的危险。

mùqián，30% de pá xíngdòng wù、 niǎo lèi hé yú lèi miànlín mièjué de wēixiǎn。

30 percent of reptiles, birds, and fish are currently threatened with extinction.
2
到目前为止，经济是头等大事。

dào mùqián wéizhǐ， jīngjì shì tóu děng dàshì。

The economy is the number one issue by far.
3
到目前为止他唯一的一次园艺经历非常令人满意。

dào mùqián wéizhǐ tā wéiyī de yī cì yuán yì jīnglì fēicháng lìng rén mǎnyì。

His only experience of gardening so far proved immensely satisfying.
4
他必须以目前的市价出售这座房子。

tā bìxū yǐ mùqián de shì jià chūshòu zhè zuò fángzi。

He must sell the house for the current market value.
5
我把问题抛在一边，目前它还无法解决。

wǒ bǎ wèntí pāo zài yìbiān， mùqián tā hái wúfǎ jiějué。

I pushed the problem aside; at present it was insoluble.
6
总统在全国的人气目前正处于历史最低点。

zǒngtǒng zài quánguó de rénqì mùqián zhèng chǔyú lìshǐ zuì dī diǎn。

The president's popularity nationally is at an all-time low.
7
我们在北爱尔兰目前资源不足。

wǒmen zài běi ài ěr lán mùqián zīyuán bùzú。

We are not yet fully resourced in Northern Ireland.
8
目前局势动荡不定，有武装士兵在街道上警戒。

mùqián júshì dòngdàng búdìng， yǒu wǔzhuāng shìbīng zài jiēdào shàng jǐngjiè。

Armed soldiers guard the streets in this volatile atmosphere.
9
这一聚合物的性质目前是个商业机密。

zhè yī jù gě wù de xìngzhì mùqián shì gè shāngyè jīmì。

The nature of the polymer is currently a trade secret.
10
到目前为止，参加测试的有57人，测试结果均呈阴性。

dào mùqián wéizhǐ， cānjiā cèshì de yǒu57 rén， cèshì jiéguǒ jūn chéng yīnxìng。

So far 57 have taken the test and all have been negative.

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Frequently asked questions about 目前

While it's more formal, you can use it in casual conversation, but 现在 is usually preferred.

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