Meaning
当前 refers to the current or present time, situation, or state of affairs. It emphasizes the immediacy of 'now' or 'right now' and is commonly used in formal contexts, news, reports, and discussions about ongoing situations. The word combines 当 (dāng) meaning 'to face' or 'to be at' and 前 (qián) meaning 'front' or 'before', together suggesting 'what is in front of us now'.
Usage
当前 is more formal than 现在 (xiànzài) and is frequently used in written Chinese, official documents, news broadcasts, and formal speeches. It often appears in contexts discussing policy, economics, technology, or social issues. Native speakers use it when they want to emphasize the present moment in a serious or professional manner, rather than casual conversation.
Examples
- 01当前最重要的任务是完成这个项目。.The most important task at present is to complete this project.
- 02我们必须认真分析当前的经济形势。.We must carefully analyze the current economic situation.
Characters
Common collocations
- 当前形势current situation
- 当前任务current task
- 当前阶段current stage/phase
- 当前问题current problem/issue
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 当 (to face/to be at) and 前 (front) creates the meaning of 'facing forward' or 'what is before us', which naturally evolved to mean 'the present moment' or 'current situation'.