如今

如今 (rú jīn) is an adverb meaning 'these days' or 'nowadays.' It refers to the present time, often contrasting with past conditions or expectations.

The character 如 (rú) means 'like' or 'as,' and 今 (jīn) means 'today' or 'now.' Together, they literally translate to 'as now,' emphasizing the current moment in contrast to past or future states.

如今 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to highlight the present situation. It appears in news reports, academic writing, and everyday conversations. It can also be part of phrases like 现在和如今 (xiànzài hé rú jīn), meaning 'now and nowadays,' to emphasize ongoing changes over time.