到目前为止...
Up until now...
Literalmente: Arrive (at) current point (of) time stop
Use this to give a status update while leaving room for future changes or developments.
Em 15 segundos
- Means 'so far' or 'up until now' in any context.
- Usually starts the sentence to set a time frame.
- Implies the situation might change after this moment.
Significado
This phrase is used to talk about the progress of something from the past up until the exact moment you are speaking. It implies that while things are a certain way now, the situation might change in the future.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Reporting work progress
到目前为止，项目进展得很顺利。
So far, the project is progressing very smoothly.
Talking about travel experiences
到目前为止，我最喜欢的地方是成都。
Up until now, my favorite place is Chengdu.
A humorous complaint about a bad day
到目前为止，我今天已经丢了两次钥匙了。
So far today, I've already lost my keys twice.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects a traditional Chinese philosophical outlook that views time as a continuous stream. It gained massive popularity in modern professional contexts as Western-style reporting and project management became standard in Chinese business culture. It balances the need for factual reporting with the cultural tendency to avoid absolute, unchanging statements.
The 'Open Door' Trick
Use this phrase when you want to be honest but keep your options open. It tells people 'this is the truth now, but I might change my mind later!'
Don't Over-Formalize
While it sounds professional, don't feel you can't use it with friends. It's not 'stiff'—it's just clear. Use it freely in casual chats.
Em 15 segundos
- Means 'so far' or 'up until now' in any context.
- Usually starts the sentence to set a time frame.
- Implies the situation might change after this moment.
What It Means
Think of 到目前为止 as a progress bar for your life or work. It marks a clear line between the past and the right now. It is the Chinese equivalent of saying 'so far' or 'up until this point.' It tells your listener that you are giving them a status update. You are summarizing everything that has happened before this very second.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase right at the beginning of your sentence. It sets the stage for the information that follows. You can also place it after the subject if you want to sound a bit more rhythmic. It is like a verbal anchor. It keeps your statement grounded in the present moment. Most people follow it with a result or a quantity. For example, you might say how many coffees you've had today.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be clear about current results. It is perfect for business meetings when reporting numbers. It works great when you are telling a story and want to pause for effect. Use it when you are waiting for someone who is late. It is also handy for expressing relief that nothing has gone wrong yet. It adds a layer of precision to your speech that makes you sound very fluent.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are permanent or finished long ago. If you are talking about ancient history, this isn't your phrase. Avoid using it for very short bursts of time, like 'up until two seconds ago.' That sounds a bit dramatic and weird. Also, don't use it if you are 100% certain nothing will ever change. This phrase always leaves a tiny door open for the future to be different.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often emphasizes the flow of time and the changing nature of situations. Using 到目前为止 reflects a balanced perspective. It acknowledges the current reality without making arrogant claims about the future. It is a humble way to state facts. It shows you are observant and grounded. In modern fast-paced cities like Shanghai or Beijing, this phrase is a staple in project management and daily life.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 至今 (zhìjīn) in more formal writing or news broadcasts. In very casual speech, some might just say 现在为止. However, 到目前为止 is the 'Goldilocks' of phrases. it is not too stiff and not too slangy. It fits almost everywhere. It is the reliable friend of the Chinese vocabulary world.
Notas de uso
This phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for both business reports and casual coffee chats. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring you don't use it for completed past actions that have no connection to the present.
The 'Open Door' Trick
Use this phrase when you want to be honest but keep your options open. It tells people 'this is the truth now, but I might change my mind later!'
Don't Over-Formalize
While it sounds professional, don't feel you can't use it with friends. It's not 'stiff'—it's just clear. Use it freely in casual chats.
The Humble Brag
In China, using this phrase to describe success sounds more humble than a flat statement. It implies you are still working hard and not resting on your laurels.
Exemplos
6到目前为止，项目进展得很顺利。
So far, the project is progressing very smoothly.
Standard professional use to give a status update.
到目前为止，我最喜欢的地方是成都。
Up until now, my favorite place is Chengdu.
Suggests the speaker might find a new favorite later.
到目前为止，我今天已经丢了两次钥匙了。
So far today, I've already lost my keys twice.
The humor comes from the implication that the day isn't over yet.
到目前为止，他人还不错。
So far, he seems like a nice guy.
Commonly used in dating to express cautious optimism.
到目前为止，这是我收到的最好的礼物。
Up until now, this is the best gift I have ever received.
Adds weight to the compliment by comparing it to all past experiences.
到目前为止，我们已经等了半个小时了。
We have been waiting for half an hour up until now.
A polite but firm way to point out a long wait.
Teste-se
Choose the correct phrase to complete the status update.
___，还没有人迟到。
The sentence means 'So far, no one has been late.' `到目前为止` is the only one that sets the time frame correctly.
Complete the sentence about learning Chinese.
___，我觉得汉字最难学。
This expresses your current opinion on what has been hardest in your learning journey so far.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Spectrum
Texting friends about your day.
到目前为止，今天挺好的。
Daily conversations and general updates.
到目前为止，我还没吃午饭。
Business reports and presentations.
到目前为止，销售额增长了10%。
Where to use '到目前为止'
Work Meeting
Reporting project status.
Dating
Evaluating a new relationship.
Travel
Comparing different cities visited.
Learning
Discussing progress in a course.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot at all! You can use it when texting friends to give updates, like 到目前为止，我还没出门 (So far, I haven't left the house yet).
It is much more natural at the beginning. Putting it at the end sounds like an afterthought and is less common in standard speech.
现在 just means 'now.' 到目前为止 emphasizes the entire duration from the past leading up to now.
Yes, it's very common for negative updates, like 到目前为止，他还没回消息 (So far, he hasn't replied to the message).
You can say 目前 (mùqián) which means 'currently,' but it doesn't have the same 'up until' feeling as the full phrase.
Often, yes. It suggests that the current state is temporary or part of an ongoing process.
Absolutely. It is a great transition phrase for academic or persuasive writing to summarize evidence presented so far.
It is pronounced 'wéi zhǐ.' Make sure to get that third tone on 止 (zhǐ) right to sound natural.
至今 is much more formal and usually used in written Chinese or historical contexts.
Yes, you can say 到目前为止，这周我很忙 (So far this week, I've been very busy).
Frases relacionadas
至今
Up to this day (formal)
目前
At present / Currently
到现在
Until now (more casual)
截止到
Up to (a specific deadline)
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