Comparison of "现场" and "当场"

In Chinese, both "现场" (xiànchǎng) and "当场" (dāngchǎng) refer to situations happening at a particular place or time, but they are used differently and convey slightly different meanings.

现场 (xiànchǎng)

"现场" is a noun that refers to the scene or site of an event or incident. It describes the physical location where something is happening or has happened.

• Example: The accident happened at the scene of the construction site. - 事故发生在建筑工地的现场。(Shìgù fāshēng zài jiànzhù gōngdì de xiànchǎng.)
• Example: The reporter provided live coverage from the scene of the protest. - 记者在抗议现场提供了现场直播。(Jìzhě zài kàngyì xiànchǎng tígōngle xiànchǎng zhíbò.)

当场 (dāngchǎng)

"当场" is an adverb that means "on the spot" or "at the scene." It emphasizes actions or decisions made immediately or without delay, often implying that something is resolved or addressed right there and then.

• Example: The judge made a ruling on the spot. - 法官当场做出裁决。(Fǎguān dāngchǎng zuòchū cáijué.)
• Example: He apologized to her face. - 他当场向她道歉。(Tā dāngchǎng xiàng tā dàoqiàn.)

Main Differences

• Usage: "现场" focuses on describing the physical location or setting of an event, while "当场" emphasizes actions or decisions made right on the spot.
• Function: "现场" is a noun, while "当场" is an adverb.