1 (at) the present time 现在；如今；目前: We can't go for a walk now -- it's raining. 正在下雨，我们现在不能去散步。Where are you living now? 你现在住在哪里？ From now on I'm going to work harder. 从现在起，我要更努力工作。 Up till now we haven't been able to afford a house of our own. 到目前为止，我们仍没有能力拥有自己的房子。He will be on his way home by now. 这个时候他应该在回家途中。I can manage for now but I might need some help later. 我现在应付得了，但过些时候也许要人帮忙。

2 immediately 马上；立即: Go now before anyone sees you. 趁还没有人看见你，你赶快走吧。You must go to the doctor right now. 你得马上去看医生。

3 used to introduce or to emphasize what you are saying, or while pausing to think （用于引出或强调要说的话，也在停下来思索时用）: Now listen to what he's saying. 请留心听他说些什么。What does he want now? 他究竟想要什么？Now, let me think. 好了，让我想一想。 ☞ Now then is also used Now then, what was I saying? 用now then亦可：Now then, what was I saying?好了，我刚刚说什么来着？

4 now (that)... because of the fact that 由于；既然: Now (that) the children have left home we can move to a smaller house. 既然子女都已离家，我们可以搬到小一点的房子住。