Keywords: rujin, 如今, rujin meaning, Chinese for nowadays, difference between 如今 and 现在, using 如今, Chinese time words, HSK 4 vocabulary, formal Chinese for now
Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of 如今 (rújīn), the Chinese word for “nowadays” or “in this day and age.” This guide explains how 如今 is used to contrast the present with the past, its formal and literary tone compared to a simple “now” like 现在 (xiànzài), and provides many example sentences to master its use in contexts from technology and society to personal reflection.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): rújīn
Part of Speech: Time Noun, Adverb
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: Nowadays; in this day and age; the present time (often with a sense of contrast to the past).
In a Nutshell:如今 (rújīn) is more than just “now.” It's a word you use when you're looking at the present moment through the lens of the past. Think of it as “as things are today” or “in this day and age.” It carries a slightly formal, reflective, and sometimes even nostalgic tone, perfect for storytelling or discussing how much things have changed over time.
Character Breakdown
如 (rú): This character means “as,” “like,” or “as if.” It's often used for comparisons or hypotheticals.
今 (jīn): This character simply means “the present” or “today.” You see it in words like 今天 (jīntiān) - today.
Together, 如今 (rújīn) literally translates to “like the present” or “as it is today.” This beautifully captures the essence of the word: it's not just stating the time, but describing the state of the present era, often implying a comparison to how things were before.
Cultural Context and Significance
A Narrative of Change: In Chinese culture, there's a strong awareness of history and the rapid pace of change, especially over the last century. 如今 is a key word for expressing this transformation. It's the perfect term to begin a sentence that contrasts a past of hardship with a present of prosperity, or a simple past with a complex present. It sets a narrative tone, inviting the listener to reflect on the journey from “then” to “now.”
Contrast with “Nowadays”: While “nowadays” is a close English equivalent, 如今 (rújīn) often carries a slightly more profound or literary weight. An American might say, “Nowadays, everyone has a smartphone,” as a simple observation. A Chinese speaker using 如今 in a similar sentence might be subtly invoking the entire story of technological development—from a time with no phones to the present era of digital ubiquity. It frames the present as a destination that has been arrived at.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formal and Written Contexts: You will frequently encounter 如今 in news articles, historical essays, formal speeches, and literature. It's used to set the scene and introduce the current state of affairs on a particular topic.
e.g., 如今的中国经济… (Rújīn de Zhōngguó jīngjì…) - “Today's Chinese economy…”
Reflective Conversation: While less common than 现在 (xiànzài) for moment-to-moment conversation, it's used when people are being reflective or nostalgic. An older person might use it to talk about how different the city is, or how young people's lives have changed.
e.g., 想想我们那时候，再看看如今的孩子… (Xiǎngxiǎng wǒmen nà shíhòu, zài kànkàn rújīn de háizi…) - “Thinking back to our time, and then looking at the children of today…”
Connotation and Formality:如今 is neutral to slightly positive in connotation, as it's often used to describe progress and development. It is considered more formal and literary than the everyday word for “now,” 现在 (xiànzài).
English: In the past, this was a small fishing village; nowadays, it has become a large, modern metropolis.
Analysis: This is a classic example of 如今 used to create a strong “past vs. present” contrast, highlighting immense change and development.
Example 2:
如今，越来越多的人选择在线购物而不是去实体店。
Pinyin: Rújīn, yuèláiyuè duō de rén xuǎnzé zàixiàn gòuwù ér bùshì qù shítǐ diàn.
English: Nowadays, more and more people choose to shop online instead of going to physical stores.
Analysis: Here, 如今 describes a modern trend, implicitly comparing it to the shopping habits of the past.
Example 3:
他如今已经是公司的总经理了。
Pinyin: Tā rújīn yǐjīng shì gōngsī de zǒngjīnglǐ le.
English: He is now the general manager of the company.
Analysis: This sentence implies a journey. He wasn't always the manager, but through time and effort, this is his status “in this day and age.” It tells a small story of his career progression.
Example 4:
谁能想到，如今的我们可以和世界任何地方的人视频通话。
Pinyin: Shéi néng xiǎngdào, rújīn de wǒmen kěyǐ hé shìjiè rènhé dìfāng de rén shìpín tōnghuà.
English: Who could have imagined that nowadays we can video call people anywhere in the world?
Analysis: This sentence uses 如今 to express a sense of wonder about modern technology, framing the present as a time of previously unimaginable possibilities.
Example 5:
虽然我们已经分开了很久，但不知她如今过得怎么样。
Pinyin: Suīrán wǒmen yǐjīng fēnkāi le hěnjiǔ, dàn bùzhī tā rújīn guò de zěnmeyàng.
English: Although we broke up a long time ago, I don't know how she is doing these days.
Analysis: This shows a more personal, reflective use of 如今. The speaker is contrasting a past relationship with the unknown present state of the other person.
English: The environmental problems of today require every one of us to take them seriously.
Analysis: Here, 如今 is used in a formal context to refer to “the current era” or “this day and age” when discussing a major societal issue.
Example 7:
很多传统手艺在如今的社会里面临失传的危险。
Pinyin: Hěnduō chuántǒng shǒuyì zài rújīn de shèhuì lǐ miànlín shīchuán de wéixiǎn.
English: In today's society, many traditional crafts face the danger of being lost.
Analysis: 如今 sets the stage for a discussion about the challenges facing tradition in the modern world. It contrasts the “old ways” with the “new society.”
Example 8:
曾梦想仗剑走天涯，看一看世界的繁华，年少的心总有些轻狂，如今你四海为家。
Pinyin: Céng mèngxiǎng zhàng jiàn zǒu tiānyá, kàn yī kàn shìjiè de fánhuá, niánshào de xīn zǒng yǒuxiē qīngkuáng, rújīn nǐ sìhǎi wéi jiā.
English: Once I dreamed of traveling the world with a sword, to see its splendors; a young heart is always a bit reckless, and nowadays you have made the whole world your home.
Analysis: From the famous song “曾经的你” (Once You), this lyric masterfully uses 如今 to contrast youthful dreams with the reality of adult life.
English: Young people nowadays are under a lot of pressure; they have to buy a house and a car.
Analysis: A common social commentary where 如今 establishes the context of “modern life” and its unique pressures, implicitly comparing it to the pressures (or lack thereof) of previous generations.
Example 10:
我爷爷常常说，他们那时吃不饱，如今的生活真是太幸福了。
Pinyin: Wǒ yéye chángcháng shuō, tāmen nà shí chī bù bǎo, rújīn de shēnghuó zhēnshi tài xìngfú le.
English: My grandpa often says that in his time they didn't have enough to eat; life nowadays is truly so fortunate.
Analysis: This perfectly encapsulates the reflective and comparative nature of 如今. It's used by an older generation to express gratitude for the progress they've witnessed.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
如今 (rújīn) vs. 现在 (xiànzài): The Most Common Pitfall
The biggest mistake learners make is using 如今 and 现在 (xiànzài) interchangeably. They are not the same!
现在 (xiànzài): “Now,” “Right Now.”
Refers to the immediate present moment or a very close time frame.
It is neutral, common, and used for everyday situations.
It answers the question “When?” in a direct way.
如今 (rújīn): “Nowadays,” “In This Day and Age.”
Refers to the present era, often with a sense of contrast to the past.
It is more formal, literary, and reflective.
It sets a scene or provides context for a larger narrative about change over time.
Examples of Incorrect Usage:
INCORRECT: ~~如今几点了？~~ (Rújīn jǐ diǎn le?)
CORRECT:现在几点了？ (Xiànzài jǐ diǎn le?) - What time is it right now?
Reason: Asking for the time is an immediate, concrete question. It doesn't involve historical contrast.
CORRECT: 我现在很忙，等一下再给你打电话。(Wǒ xiànzài hěn máng, děng yīxià zài gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.) - I'm busy right now, I'll call you back in a bit.
Reason: This refers to your immediate state. Using 如今 would sound overly dramatic and out of place, as if you were contrasting your current busyness with a less busy era of your life.
Related Terms and Concepts
现在 (xiànzài) - The most common word for “now.” It refers to the immediate present and lacks the historical, reflective tone of `如今`.
目前 (mùqián) - “Currently,” “at present.” A formal term often used in business or news reports to describe the current status of an ongoing situation (e.g., “Our project is currently on schedule”). It is less narrative than `如今`.
当今 (dāngjīn) - “The present time,” “contemporary.” A very formal synonym for `如今`, often used in set phrases like `当今世界` (the contemporary world) in academic or political discourse.
过去 (guòqù) - “The past.” The direct antonym of `如今`. These two words are often used in the same sentence to create a powerful contrast.
从前 (cóngqián) - “Once upon a time,” “in the past.” A story-telling word for the past that pairs perfectly with `如今` to show change over a long period.
当年 (dāngnián) - “In those years,” “back in those days.” Refers to a specific, often personally significant, time in the past, setting up a nostalgic contrast with `如今`.
今天 (jīntiān) - “Today.” Refers to the specific 24-hour day, whereas `如今` refers to the broader, more abstract current era.