сейчас vs теперь

seychás vs teper' — now (at this moment) vs now (from this point on)

What it really means

"Сейчас" usually means "right now" or "at the present time." It answers the question "when is this happening?" "Теперь" means "now" in contrast with an earlier situation — "now that things have changed" or "from this point onward."

The two words overlap in many simple sentences, but the difference becomes clear with a before-and-after contrast: "Раньше я жил в Москве, теперь живу в Казани" (I used to live in Moscow, now I live in Kazan). "Сейчас" is also the normal word for "at this moment": "Я сейчас занят" (I am busy right now).

Examples in natural speech

Я сейчас занят.
I'm busy right now.
Сейчас пять часов.
It is five o'clock now.
Раньше я работал в банке, теперь я учитель.
I used to work in a bank; now I'm a teacher.
Теперь всё понятно.
Now everything is clear. (after an explanation)
Я сейчас позвоню.
I'll call now / in a moment.
Теперь ты знаешь правду.
Now you know the truth. (from this point on)

Common mistakes

Using "сейчас" for every English "now" is understandable but loses the change-of-state meaning. When you contrast "before" and "after," "теперь" is usually better. In a phrase like "now I understand," "теперь я понимаю" highlights the new understanding; "сейчас я понимаю" sounds more like "I understand at this moment."

Memory tip

"Сейчас" points at the clock; "теперь" points at a turning point. Ask: is this about this moment, or about life after a change?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between сейчас and теперь in Russian?

"Сейчас" means right now or at the present moment. "Теперь" means now in contrast with before, often meaning from this point onward. They overlap, but "теперь" highlights a change of state.

How do you say right now in Russian?

Use "сейчас": "Я сейчас занят" means "I am busy right now." "Теперь" would suggest a new situation rather than simply the current moment.

Is теперь always different from сейчас?

No. In simple sentences they can overlap, but the nuance differs. "Сейчас пять часов" gives the current time; "Теперь всё понятно" usually means something has become clear after a change or explanation.

Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.