How to say “right now” like a native speaker
At this exact time, or immediately. It is stronger and more urgent than “at the moment” when asking someone to act.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “right now” in real speech
Clip 1 · Robert Waldinger
The Secret to a Happy Life — Lessons from 8 Decades of Research | Robert Waldinger | TED · 11:38
About this video
Robert Waldinger discusses research following people through their adult lives and what it suggests about happiness and health. In conversation with an interviewer, he returns to the importance of relationships and their health benefits.
In context
So think of someone.And make contact right now.
The point of this simple exercise is to remind us that even small actions
Clip 2 · Learn English with Bob the Canadian
Let's Learn English! Topic: Flowers! 🌷🌹🌻 · 20:35
About this video
Bob the Canadian teaches common English flower names with example sentences. He shows flowers provided by Jen and discusses their uses, including an example with a dahlia.
In context
We sometimes grow them.We don't have any right now.
Poppies are grown in gardens and some varieties are used as cut flowers.
Clip 3 · VOA Learning English
Philadelphia’s history, Spring green, Lunar landings, Scene · 25:07
About this video
Bryan Lynn and Anna Matteo introduce a VOA Learning English programme about Philadelphia, spring, lunar landings and the word “scene”. The programme includes a discussion of China's moon exploration.
In context
So I went to my office to get a snack. Ana.I'm calling for help right now.
Hello? Yes.
When to use “right now”
- Asking for immediate help: “Could you come here right now?”
- Explaining present availability: “I can't talk right now. Can I call you later?”
Possible connected-speech patterns in “right now”
The T in “right” may be unreleased before N. Keep the two words close without dropping the long vowel movement in “now”.
Related phrases
Practise again tomorrow? Get one short sentence a day, ready to record in one tap.
You don't need to speak fast.
A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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