現在（げんざい、genzai）
- present/now

The Japanese word 現在 (げんざい) means "present," "now," or "the present time." It refers to the current moment or the period of time that is happening at the moment of speaking or writing. It can be used to describe the state of things, actions, or situations that are ongoing or existing at the current time. The meaning encompasses the immediate 現在 and can also include a broader sense of the present era or period.

⚫︎現在、私は日本語を勉強しています。 Translation: Right now, I am studying Japanese. ⚫︎ 現在の状況は複雑です。 Translation: The current situation is complex. ⚫︎ その問題は 現在も議論されています。 Translation: That issue is still being discussed at 現在.

⚫︎ Use 現在 when you want to talk about something happening at this very moment. ⚫︎ It's also used to describe situations, conditions, or states that are true or exist in the present period. ⚫︎ It is often used in formal situations but is also acceptable in everyday conversation. ⚫︎ It is often used to emphasize that something is happening now or is relevant to the present.

⚫︎ The word 現在 is written with the kanji 現在. ⚫︎ The reading is げんざい in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no common variations in okurigana.

⚫︎ 今 (いま) - Now, right now. It is more informal. ⚫︎ 現時点 (げんじてん) - The present time; as of now. It is more formal. ⚫︎ 現代 (げんだい) - The present day; modern times.

⚫︎ 過去 (かこ) - Past ⚫︎ 未来 (みらい) - Future ⚫︎ 当時 (とうじ) - At that time (past)

現在の日本の人口は約1億2,500万人です。 ・Translation: The population of Japan is about 125 million people right now. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 現在 to specify the population at the present time.

現在、地球温暖化の問題が深刻化しています。 ・Translation: The problem of global warming is becoming serious 現在. ・Explanation: The sentence illustrates a problem that's relevant 現在.

The word 現在 is a combination of two kanji: 現 (げん), meaning "present" or "current," and 在 (ざい), meaning "existing" or "being." Therefore, 現在 literally means "the state of being present" or "the current existence."