now
now — 名詞
1. the current point in time or the short period that exists at this moment, rather
現在
當前此刻的時間或時期
the current point in time or the short period that exists at this moment, rather than in the past or in the future
Now is the perfect moment for Élise to tell her family about the job offer.
現在是 Élise 告訴家人那份工作錄取通知的最佳時機。
noun as subject: now is the [time/moment]
For now, the shelves are empty, but Tendai said new books arrive next week.
目前貨架上還是空的，但 Tendai 說新書下週就會到。
prepositional object: for now
Until now, Renata had never tried sushi, but she loved it at the birthday party.
直到現在，Renata 從來沒吃過壽司，但她在生日派對上很喜歡這道菜。
By now, the repair team should have fixed the leak in the kitchen pipe.
到現在為止，維修團隊應該已經修好廚房水管的漏水了。
- the present
more formal; used in philosophical or general statements
- the present moment
emphasises a single point rather than a period
- the current time
more neutral and journalistic in tone
- the past
time before the present moment
- the future
time yet to come after the present
文法句型
now is the time/moment to [do something]
for now
by now
until now
up to now
from now
用法筆記
Frequently follows prepositions such as 'for', 'by', 'until', and 'from' to refer to the current period. Unlike most nouns, 'now' does not take an article and is uncountable — you cannot say 'the now' or 'a now.'
常見錯誤
2. the time that begins at this present moment and continues without limit into all
今後；從此
從現在起延續到未來
the time that begins at this present moment and continues without limit into all future time
From now on, Hyun will walk to school with his neighbor every morning.
從現在開始，Hyun 每天早上會和鄰居一起走路上學。
fixed phrase: from now on + future intention
As of now, the company no longer uses plastic bags in any of its stores.
即日起，該公司不再於任何門市使用塑膠袋。
fixed phrase: as of now + new policy
From now on, Stephanie will double-check all the numbers before sending the report.
從現在開始，Stephanie 在寄出報告前會仔細檢查所有數字。
As of now, visitors must show their ID cards at the front desk before entering the building.
即日起，訪客必須在大廳櫃檯出示證件才能進入大樓。
- from this point forward
more formal; used in written documents and announcements
- henceforth
very formal; used in legal or official contexts
- from this moment onward
emphasises the immediate starting point
- from then on
refers to a past starting point, not the present
文法句型
from now on
as of now
用法筆記
Always appears as part of the fixed phrases 'from now on' or 'as of now.' These phrases mark a permanent change or new rule that applies from this moment forward. Cannot stand alone as a subject — 'Now is…' belongs to sense 1.
常見錯誤
now — 形容詞
- nowpositive
- nowercomparative
- nowestsuperlative
1. describes something that is currently popular, stylish, and reflects the latest
新潮；時尚
形容當前流行、時髦的
describes something that is currently popular, stylish, and reflects the latest taste or trend of the moment.
Yara's new haircut is very now — everyone at school wants the same style.
Yara 的新髮型非常新潮——學校裡每個人都想要同樣的造型。
'very now' for emphasis on current trendiness
The restaurant serves a very now menu with dishes inspired by street food.
這間餐廳供應的菜單很新潮，菜色靈感來自街頭小吃。
attributive use: 'a now menu' before a noun
Jisoo thinks her vintage jacket suddenly looks so now again this season.
Jisoo 覺得她的復古外套這個季節突然看起來又很時尚了。
That clean white look is so now among young architects in Taipei.
那種簡潔的白色風格在台北年輕建築師之間非常新潮。
Yasmin thinks the orange sofa does not look very now, but she keeps it anyway.
Yasmin 覺得那張橘色沙發看起來不太新潮，但她還是留著它。
- trendy
more common and widely understood across registers; 'now' carries a more informal, insider tone
- fashionable
broader and more formal; not limited to the current moment's trend
- hip
more about being part of a subculture than mainstream style
- old-fashioned
direct opposite — belonging to or favouring styles of the past
- outdated
no longer current or suitable for the present time
文法句型
be + (intensifier) + now for things that are trending
look/seem/feel + (intensifier) + now for appearance of trendiness
用法筆記
Frequently needs an intensifier such as 'very', 'so', or 'really' to sound natural in most contexts. Without one, the sentence may feel incomplete or forced.
常見錯誤
now — 縮寫
1. a US organization that works to achieve equal rights and opportunities for women
全國婦女組織
美國女性平權組織，1966年成立
a US organization that works to achieve equal rights and opportunities for women, founded in 1966
NOW was founded in 1966 to campaign for equal pay and reproductive rights.
NOW 成立於 1966 年，致力於爭取同工同酬與生育權。
abbreviation used as proper-noun subject
Ritu attended her first NOW meeting to learn about the new workplace equality bill.
Ritu 為了了解新的職場平等法案，第一次參加了當地的 NOW 會議。
attended + [possessive] NOW meeting
Astrid found a list of NOW policy goals on the organization's website.
Astrid 在該組織的網站上找到了一份 NOW 的政策目標清單。
The local NOW chapter endorsed Anthony's proposal for paid family leave.
當地的 NOW 分會支持 Anthony 提出的帶薪家庭照顧假法案。
用法筆記
Always spelled in full capitals (NOW) to distinguish it from the common adverb 'now.' The abbreviation functions as a proper noun and can be used with articles ('the NOW chapter') or possessives ('NOW's president'). Most commonly seen in news reports and political discussions about gender equality in the United States.
常見錯誤
now — 副詞
1. the current moment you are experiencing, as opposed to earlier or later points i
現在；目前
指當下這個時刻
the current moment you are experiencing, as opposed to earlier or later points in time.
Imran is busy now, so could you call back later?
Imran 現在很忙，你可以晚點再回電嗎？
mid-position: after be-verb
Right now, the children are playing in the garden.
現在，孩子們正在花園裡玩耍。
collocation: right now for emphasis
The manager is in a meeting now and cannot take your call.
經理現在正在開會，無法接聽你的電話。
What are you doing now that you have finished college?
你大學畢業了，現在有什麼打算？
- at the moment
slightly more formal; British English prefers 'at the moment' for ongoing situations
- currently
more formal; used in writing and professional contexts
- presently
formal; more common in American English for 'now' (though it can also mean 'soon')
2. without any delay; at once, because the situation requires quick action.
立刻；馬上
毫不拖延地
without any delay; at once, because the situation requires quick action.
Put that knife down now, before someone gets hurt!
把那把刀放下，馬上！免得有人受傷！
imperative command for urgent action
The doctor needs to see you now — it is an emergency.
醫生現在就得見你——這是緊急情況。
If you smell gas, leave the building now and call the fire department.
如果你聞到瓦斯味，立刻離開建築物，然後打電話給消防隊。
Stop the car now, Erik — a dog just ran into the middle of the road!
Erik，把車停下來！有隻狗跑到馬路中間了！
- immediately
more formal; often used in official or written instructions
- at once
similar urgency; common in both speech and writing
- right away
informal; common in everyday conversation
- later
at a future, unspecified time
用法筆記
Common in imperative sentences and warnings. 'Now' in this sense often receives strong stress in speech to signal urgency.
常見錯誤
3. from some point in the past up to this present moment, used particularly with pe
到現在
從過去某時延續至今
from some point in the past up to this present moment, used particularly with perfect tenses to indicate duration or continued activity.
We have been waiting for the train now for nearly an hour.
我們等火車到現在已經快一個小時了。
present perfect progressive + now + duration
Faisal has lived in that small town now for over twenty years.
Faisal 住在那個小鎮到現在已經超過二十年了。
They have now been married for a decade and still seem very happy together.
他們結婚到現在已經十年了，看起來還是很幸福。
By now the children should already be asleep.
到現在這個時候，孩子們應該已經睡著了。
文法句型
now + present perfect / present perfect progressive
用法筆記
Typically paired with present perfect or present perfect progressive tenses. 'By now' is a fixed expression that means 'at this point (as expected).'
常見錯誤
4. used when telling a story to signal a new development or situation in the past s
那時；這時
敘述往事中的新發展
used when telling a story to signal a new development or situation in the past sequence of events.
Entering the dark hall, the prince now saw the dragon for the first time.
走進黑暗的大廳後，王子這時第一次看見了那條龍。
narrative shift within past-tense story
Yael had never liked flying, but now the plane doors had closed with no chance of turning back.
Yael 一向不喜歡搭飛機，但現在機艙門已經關上，沒有回頭的機會了。
named subject + concrete scene (plane doors closing)
After marching for three days, the soldiers now stood at the enemy camp's edge.
行軍三天後，士兵們這時站在敵營的邊緣。
Madison opened the old letter slowly. Now the truth was finally clear to her.
Madison 慢慢地打開那封舊信。這時，真相終於在她眼前明朗了。
- then
more neutral time-sequence marker; less dramatic than 'now'
- at that moment
more explicit; used for specific turning points in a story
- at this point
slightly more formal; common in written narratives
用法筆記
In this narrative sense, 'now' is used within a past-tense story to create a sense of immediacy, as if the events are unfolding before the reader's eyes. It is common in fiction and oral storytelling.
5. under the changed situation that has developed from what was just said, done, or
這麼一來
因前述情況而導致的結果
under the changed situation that has developed from what was just said, done, or decided, forming the logical next step.
You have finished all your homework, so now you can watch television.
你作業都寫完了，那麼你現在可以看電視了。
so now + result clause
The airline lost our luggage, and now we have nothing to wear for the wedding.
航空公司弄丟了我們的行李，這下我們參加婚禮沒衣服可穿了。
Karim finally admitted he was wrong, so now they can start solving the problem together.
Karim 終於承認他錯了，這麼一來他們可以一起解決問題了。
The rain has stopped, so now we can go for a walk.
雨停了，所以我們現在可以去散步了。
- as a result
more formal; places emphasis on cause-and-effect logic
- consequently
formal; used in academic and professional writing
- so
more concise; replaces both 'so now' with a single word in informal contexts
文法句型
so now + clause
用法筆記
Often follows 'so' or 'and' to connect a cause (the earlier statement or action) to its logical consequence. 'Now that' is a related conjunction that introduces the cause clause.
常見錯誤
6. in a very short time from this moment; almost immediately, often suggesting the
馬上；很快
即將發生
in a very short time from this moment; almost immediately, often suggesting the event is about to begin or arrive.
The train will be arriving now, so we should get ready.
火車馬上就要進站了，我們該準備好了。
future continuous for imminent event
Dinner will be ready now — please wash your hands.
晚餐馬上就好了——請先去洗手。
Haruto should be arriving at our door any minute now.
Haruto 應該隨時都會到我們家門口。
The concert will be starting any moment now, so Tanvi and I should find our seats.
演唱會隨時就要開始了，所以 Tanvi 和我要去找座位了。
- shortly
more formal; implies 'within a short time' rather than 'immediately'
- momentarily
American English; means 'very soon' (in British English, it means 'for a moment')
- in a moment
neutral register; interchangeable with 'now' in this sense
- much later
far in the future, not soon
文法句型
will + be + -ing + now
be about to + now
用法筆記
Can overlap with sense 1 (at the present time) in some contexts — the difference is that sense 6 anticipates something that is about to happen, while sense 1 describes something that is currently happening. Context and tense usually make the meaning clear.
常見錯誤
7. used at the start of a sentence or clause to signal that you are moving to a dif
好了；那
用於開啟新話題的語氣詞
used at the start of a sentence or clause to signal that you are moving to a different point, question, or activity.
Now, about the school trip next month — have we told the parents yet?
接下來，關於下個月的校外教學——我們通知家長了嗎？
now + comma introducing a new topic
That covers the grammar for today. Now, let us move on to the listening exercise.
今天的文法就到這裡。接下來，我們繼續進行聽力練習。
now marking a transition between lesson stages
Now, on a completely different note, has anyone seen my blue notebook?
對了，換個話題，有人看到我的藍色筆記本嗎？
Now, before we finish, let me remind everyone about the bake sale this Saturday.
好了，在結束之前，我提醒一下大家這星期六的義賣活動。
文法句型
now + clause (topic shift)
用法筆記
Always appears at or near the start of the utterance. It does not add factual meaning — it is a discourse marker that signals a shift. Often followed by a comma in writing.
常見錯誤
8. used before a statement, question, or command to make it sound stronger, more ur
聽好；我說
強調接下來的話很重要或很急迫
used before a statement, question, or command to make it sound stronger, more urgent, or more important.
Now, do not forget to lock the back door before you leave for work.
聽好，你出門上班前可別忘了鎖後門喔。
now + imperative for urgent instruction
Now, what exactly do you mean by that, Paloma? I really want to understand.
我說，Paloma，你到底是什麼意思？我真的想弄清楚。
now + question pressing for an explanation
Now, I really must insist that you call your mother before she starts to worry.
聽我說，你真的得打給你媽媽，免得她開始擔心。
Now, that is exactly the kind of behaviour I will not tolerate in this classroom.
我告訴你，這種行為在我的課堂上絕對不會被容忍。
Now, what on earth is going on here? Élise, please explain.
喂，Élise，這裡到底發生了什麼事？請解釋一下。
文法句型
now + clause (emphatic statement)
now + imperative
用法筆記
Common in warnings, reminders, and persistent questions. The tone depends on context — it can be friendly ('Now, let me help you.') or firm ('Now, listen to me.'). Distinguish from sense 7: here 'now' adds emotional weight rather than simply changing the subject.
常見錯誤
9. a very short time before the present moment, usually with 'just' or in expressio
剛才
指剛剛發生沒多久的事
a very short time before the present moment, usually with 'just' or in expressions such as 'just now'.
Kofi was here just now, but I think he went to grab coffee with Talia.
Kofi 剛才還在這邊，但我猜他跟 Talia 去買咖啡了。
just now + past tense for recent event
Christopher said just now that the package arrived this morning, not yesterday.
Christopher 剛才說包裹是今天早上到的，不是昨天。
just now clarifying a recent action
The little girl was crying just now, but Sirin gave her a sweet and she smiled.
那個小女孩剛才還在哭，但是 Sirin 給了她一顆糖，她就笑了。
Nila told me just now that the train is delayed by about twenty minutes.
Nila 剛才跟我說火車大概會誤點二十分鐘。
Do you remember what Eric said just now about the new schedule for next week?
你還記得 Eric 剛才針對下週新時程表說的話嗎？
- just
shorter; works in all varieties of English ('I just saw him')
- a moment ago
more formal and less common in everyday speech
文法句型
just now
now + past tense
用法筆記
Most natural in British English. In American English 'just' alone (without 'now') is more common for the recent past. Typically used with past simple tense, not present perfect.
常見錯誤
now — 連接詞
1. used before a clause that gives the reason for something, referring to a situati
既然
基於新情況的原因
used before a clause that gives the reason for something, referring to a situation that has just started or changed — for example, saying that since the rain has stopped, the children can go outside.
Now that Amira has a car, she can drive to work instead of taking the bus.
既然 Amira 有了車，她就可以開車上班，不必搭公車了。
now that + clause showing cause-effect
Now that Gabriel has recovered from his illness, he can return to school.
既然 Gabriel 病好了，他就可以回學校上課了。
Now that the rain has stopped, the children are playing in the garden.
既然雨已經停了，孩子們正在花園裡玩耍。
Now that we have finished the painting, we should clean the brushes.
既然我們已經完成了油漆工作，就應該把刷子清洗乾淨。
- since
more commonly used than 'now that' in formal writing; both express cause based on a known fact
- given that
slightly more formal and emphasizes the premise as accepted knowledge
- seeing that
informal or conversational tone, common in British English
文法句型
now (that) + clause — introduces a reason based on a new or changed situation
用法筆記
Often followed by 'that' (now that), though 'that' may be dropped in informal speech. The clause describes a new or changed situation that serves as the reason for the main clause.