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🚫📍⏱️

How to Say ‘Isn't here right now’ in Simplified Chinese

现在不在

xiàn zài bù zài

[xiànzài bù zài]

💬 Usage Tip: 不 is said (bú) before the falling tone of 在 (zài), so you hear (bú zài).

Phrase Breakdown

现在

xiàn zài

[xiànzài]

now; currently

Refers to the present moment.

Example

现在可以点菜吗?

Can we order now?

不

bù

[bù]

not

Used to form the negative of verbs.

Example

他不想参与。

He does not want to participate.

在

zài

[zài]

to be present; to be in

Verb meaning someone is present or available at a place.

Example

他今天不在办公室。

He is not in the office today.

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