Comparison of "目前" and "现在"

In Chinese, both "目前" (mùqián) and "现在" (xiànzài) refer to the current time or present moment, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

目前 (mùqián)

"目前" is an adverb that specifically refers to the current situation or state of affairs. It often implies a temporary or transitional state and is commonly used in formal or written language.

• For example: The current situation is quite tense. - 目前的情况相当紧张。(Mùqián de qíngkuàng xiāngdāng jǐnzhāng.)
• For example: We are still assessing the current state of affairs. - 我们还在评估目前的情况。(Wǒmen hái zài pínggū mùqián de qíngkuàng.)

现在 (xiànzài)

"现在" is also an adverb that denotes the present moment or the current time. It is a more general term and is commonly used in both spoken and written language.

• For example: What are you doing right now? - 你现在在做什么？(Nǐ xiànzài zài zuò shénme?)
• For example: I can't talk to you right now. - 我现在没法和你说话。(Wǒ xiànzài méi fǎ hé nǐ shuōhuà.)

Main Differences

• Formality: "目前" is often used in more formal or written contexts, while "现在" is suitable for both formal and informal situations.
• Temporal Duration: "目前" may imply a temporary or transitional state, whereas "现在" refers to the immediate present moment.