now
gb/nˈaʊ/ us/nˈaʊ/
A1
English
~ 100
most, akkor, most már, azonnal, rögtön, most, hogy, na, nos
A1
1
most
A1
Usage pattern:
[do something] now
I’m busy right now, can we talk later?
Most épp nem érek rá, beszélhetünk később?
The shop is closed now, but it opens at 9 a.m.
A bolt most zárva van, de reggel kilenckor nyit.
Right now, the weather is perfect for a picnic.
We need to decide now before it's too late.
Learner examples
I am eating now.
Most eszem.
She is sleeping now.
Most alszik.
We are at school now.
He is watching TV now.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'now' with 'currently'. 'Now' often means 'this exact moment', while 'currently' can mean 'these days' or 'at present' over a longer period.
Meaning
At the present time
Collocations
right now
|just now
|happening now
|do it now
Synonyms
currently (Often used in more formal contexts or to describe ongoing situations rather than an immediate moment.)
Antonyms
then (Refers to a different time, usually in the past or future, instead of the present.)
Themes
daily life
|time
|core_vocabulary
Definition
At this moment in time.
At the present time or moment, as opposed to the past or future.
A2
2
Usage pattern:
Now [clause]
Now, let’s move on to the next topic.
Akkor térjünk át a következő témára.
Now you’ve finished your homework, you can watch TV.
Befejezted a házi feladatodat, úgyhogy most már tévézhetsz.
Now that we’re all here, we can start the meeting.
Learner examples
Now we can eat.
Most már ehetünk.
Now you can play.
Most már játszhatsz.
Now it is your turn.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'now' instead of 'so' or 'then' in linking ideas.
Meaning
Immediately after this
Collocations
now listen
|now then
|now you mention it
Synonyms
next (Refers to the following thing in sequence, not necessarily immediately.)
Themes
time
|conversation
|communication
Definition
Used to talk about what happens right after something else.
Used to introduce something that follows directly from what has just been said or done.
A1
3
Usage pattern:
[do something] now
Please sit down now.
Kérem, üljön le most.
I want you to start now, not tomorrow.
Azt akarom, hogy azonnal kezdj hozzá, ne holnap.
Stop right now!
Learner examples
Come here now.
Gyere ide azonnal.
Do it now.
Csináld meg azonnal.
Stop talking now.
Meaning
In this instant or very soon
Collocations
do it now
|stop now
|call me now
Synonyms
immediately (Stronger and more formal than 'now' for urgency.)
Antonyms
later (Refers to a time after the present moment.)
Themes
daily life
|time
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening right away or very soon.
Indicating something will happen immediately or very soon from the present moment.
B1
4
most, hogy
B1
Usage pattern:
Now (that) [clause]
Now that you’re here, we can start.
Most, hogy itt vagy, kezdhetünk.
We can relax now that the work is done.
Most, hogy kész a munka, pihenhetünk.
Now that I think about it, she was right.
Learner examples
Now that you are here, we can eat.
Most, hogy itt vagy, ehetünk.
We can sleep now that we finished work.
Most, hogy végeztünk a munkával, alhatunk.
Now that it is sunny, we can go out.
Meaning
Since something is the case
Collocations
now that you mention it
|now that we're here
Synonyms
since ('Since' is more formal and common in writing; 'now that' is more conversational.)
Themes
conversation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say 'because' something is true.
Used to introduce a reason or explanation based on a new situation.
B1
5
Now, where were we?
Na, hol is tartottunk?
Now listen here, young man!
Na, ide figyelj, fiatalember!
Now then, let’s see what we have.
Learner examples
Now, let’s start the game.
Na, kezdjük el a játékot.
Now listen to me.
Na, figyelj rám.
Now, we will read a story.
Meaning
Used to get attention or begin speaking
Collocations
now listen here
|now then
Synonyms
well ('Well' can also begin speech but sounds less commanding than 'now'.)
Themes
conversation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A word used to start talking or get someone’s attention.
Used to start a statement, attract attention, or signal a change in topic or tone.
Grammar
Dictionary form
now
IPA
GB/nˈaʊ/
US/nˈaʊ/
Syllables & stress
now (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (now)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: now
- Plural: now
Word family
Core family
nowadays
adverb B1
Expressions
any day now
1/ˈɛni dˈeɪ nˈaʊ/
fixed phrase
Expected very soon from now
It will happen very soon from this moment.
Examples
- The baby is due any day now.
- They should announce the results any day now.
by now
1/bˈaɪ nˈaʊ/
fixed phrase
At this point in time already
At this point in time, after what has happened before.
Examples
- You should be ready by now.
- By now, they must have arrived.
just now
1/d͡ʒˈʌst nˈaʊ/
fixed phrase
A short time ago or exactly now
A very short time ago, or exactly at this moment.
Examples
- I saw her just now outside the store.
- He called me just now.
right now
1/ɹˈaɪt nˈaʊ/
fixed phrase
At this exact moment
At this very moment.
Examples
- I’m too busy right now to talk.
- Where are you right now?
from now on
1/fɹˈʌm nˈaʊ ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
starting now and continuing
Starting at this moment and going into the future.
Examples
- From now on, I will exercise every day.
- You have to follow the rules from now on.
from now on
2/fɹˈʌm nˈaʊ ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
Starting at present into future
Starting at this time and continuing into the future.
Examples
- From now on, I’ll exercise every day.
- You’re in charge from now on.