HSK · Level 14
135 words
Chinese word
当下
Pronunciation
Pinyindāng xià
Meaning
- nounnow
Example
我们要解决当下的问题。wǒ men yào jiě jué dāng xià de wèn tí
We need to solve the current problem.
More examples
我们要学会把握当下，不要总把希望寄托在遥远的未来。wǒ men yào xué huì bǎ wò dāng xià bú yào zǒng bǎ xī wàng jì tuō zài yáo yuǎn de wèi lái
We need to learn to seize the present and not always place our hopes in the distant future.
Core concept
The slice of time that is happening now and remains relevant for the time being.
Common phrases
把握当下bǎ wò dāng xià
seize the present
当下现实dāng xià xiàn shí
present reality
当下的压力dāng xià de yā lì
current pressure
Similar words
现在xiàn zài: The time that is now, in everyday use.
此刻cǐ kè: The single point in time happening at this moment.
目前mù qián: The present state of an issue or matter under consideration.
Definition in Chinese
指当前这一刻或眼前的情形，强调现在发生或需要处理的状况。zhǐ dāng qián zhè yí kè huò yǎn qián de qíng xíng qiáng diào xiàn zài fā shēng huò xū yào chú lǐ de zhuàng kuàng
Word origin
The compound 当下 (dāngxià, "the present moment") uses 当 (dāng, "at the relevant time") plus 下 (xià, "below") to point to the time directly at hand.
Usage tips
- For everyday conversation, 现在 (xiànzài, "now") is the safer neutral choice, while 当下 (dāngxià, "at present") suits a more formal focus on ongoing circumstances.