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现行 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
现行xiànxíngto be in effectHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #17839, Very Hard
现行xiànxíngin forceHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #17839, Very Hard
现行xiànxíngcurrentHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #17839, Very Hard
xiànxíng(xian4xing2)xian xing T4
  1. 1to be in effect
  2. 2in force
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March 24, 2026

现行(現行)xiànxíng(xian4xing2)

现行 refers to something that is currently in effect or in force, often used in legal or formal contexts. It indicates that a rule, regulation, or practice is actively applicable at the present time.

Strokes14Frequency#17839DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese society, understanding current laws and regulations is crucial for both citizens and businesses, reflecting the importance placed on following legal frameworks in daily life.

Memory tip

Imagine a clock (现) showing the current time and a flowing river (行) representing ongoing action. Together, they represent rules that are actively flowing and in effect right now. The pronunciation 'xian4 xing2' sounds like 'shine and sing', as if the current rules are shining and singing in the present.

Meanings of 现行

xiànxíng(xian4xing2)
1to be in effect
2in force
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 现行

现行Simplified
現行Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 现行

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AI study notes for 现行

Quick Contrast

现行 (currently in effect) vs 现有 (currently available) — use 现行 for rules or regulations that are actively applicable, while 现有 refers to things that exist at present but may not be in effect.

Usage Notes

This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or policy discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like 进行 (jìnxíng), which means 'to carry out' but does not imply current status.

HSK Study Tips

While 现行 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it relates to words about time and legality that are often found in higher-level HSK materials. Focus on recognizing its usage in legal texts to build vocabulary relevant to governance and regulations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 现行 with 进行, mistakenly using it to refer to ongoing actions instead of current laws or rules. For example, saying '现行这个项目' (Current this project) instead of '进行这个项目' (Carry out this project) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 现行

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Component characters

现xiànto appear
HSK 48 strokes王
View full entry
行xíngto walk
HSK 36 strokes行
View full entry

How to say to be in effect in Chinese

“to be in effect” in Chinese is现行xiànxíng

现行 refers to something that is currently in effect or in force, often used in legal or formal contexts. It indicates that a rule, regulation, or practice is actively applicable at the present time.

When to use 现行

This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or policy discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like 进行 (jìnxíng), which means 'to carry out' but does not imply current status.

现行 or something close to it

现行 (currently in effect) vs 现有 (currently available) — use 现行 for rules or regulations that are actively applicable, while 现有 refers to things that exist at present but may not be in effect.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 现行 with 进行, mistakenly using it to refer to ongoing actions instead of current laws or rules. For example, saying '现行这个项目' (Current this project) instead of '进行这个项目' (Carry out this project) is incorrect.

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现
行

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Frequently asked questions about 现行

In a legal context, 现行 refers to laws or regulations that are currently enforceable.

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