現状

げんじょう

present condition, status quo

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"現状" (げんじょう) refers to the current state or condition of something, often translated as "present situation" or "status quo." It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss how things stand at the moment.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "現状" in business meetings, reports, or everyday conversations when assessing or describing the current circumstances before making decisions or plans.

Typical Collocations

  • 現状を把握する (げんじょうをはあくする): to grasp the current situation
  • 現状維持 (げんじょういじ): maintaining the status quo
  • 現状では (げんじょうでは): under the current circumstances

Nuances and Tips

Using "現状" implies a focus on the present facts without speculation about the future. It is neutral and factual. Be careful not to confuse it with "現場" (げんば, site or scene) or "状況" (じょうきょう, situation), which have slightly different nuances. "現状" emphasizes the existing condition as it is now.

Register

"現状" is appropriate in both formal and casual speech but is especially common in written and business Japanese.

Example Sentences

げんじょうをはあくすることがたいせつです。

It is important to grasp the present situation.

げんじょうではあたらしいけいかくをたてるのはむずかしいです。

Under the current circumstances, it is difficult to make a new plan.

げんじょういじをのぞむひともいますが、へんかがひつようです。

Some people want to maintain the status quo, but change is necessary.