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目前 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
目前mùqiánat the present timeHSK 4, t, rank #1070, Medium
目前mùqiáncurrentlyHSK 4, t, rank #1070, Medium
mùqián(mu4qian2) 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.

Frequency#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

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 目前

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

Podcast: 目前

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Podcast: 目前

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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.

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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
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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 2

Complete the Sentence

从____的情况来看，我们需要更多的时间。

Judging from the current situation, we need more time.

Example Sentences for 目前 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
目前，30%的爬行动物、鸟类和鱼类面临灭绝的危险。

mù qián，30% ，30% de pá háng dòng、 wù 、 niǎo lèi hé yú lèi miàn lín miè jué de。

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 mù qián wéi zhǐ， ， jīng jì shì tóu děng dà。

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 mù qián wéi zhǐ tā wéi yī de yī cì yuán yì jīng lì fēi cháng líng rén mǎn yì。

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 bì xū yǐ mù qián de shì jià chū shòu zhè zuò fáng zǐ。

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 wèn tí pāo zài yī biān， ， mù qián tā huán wú fǎ jiě。

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。

zǒng tǒng zài quán guó de rén qì mù qián zhèng chǔ yú lì shǐ 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。

wǒ mén zài běi ài ěr lán mù qián zī yuán bù zú。

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。

mù qián jú shì dòng dàng bù dìng， ， yǒu wǔ zhuāng shì bīng zài jiē dào shàng jǐng。

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 hé wù de xìng zhì mù qián shì gè shāng yè jī mì。

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 mù qián wéi zhǐ， ， cān jiā cè shì de57 yǒu， 57 rén ， cè shì jié guǒ jūn。

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

Cultural Notes for 目前

🏮Cultural insight

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about 目前

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