Expressing “now” with 目前 and 现在
The nouns 目前 and 现在 are similar in their translation but have slightly different meanings.
The same meaning
The nouns 目前 
and 现在 are interchangeable in the meaning of “at the moment", "currently”.
and 现在 are interchangeable in the meaning of “at the moment", "currently”. Pay attention
However, we usually use 现在 in colloquial speech and 目前 in written language.
Examples
我目前没有打算去中国
I currently have no plans to go to China
wǒ mùqián méi yǒu dǎsuàn qù zhōngguó
我现在没有打算去中国
I currently have no plans to go to China
wǒ xiànzài méi yǒu dǎsuàn qù zhōngguó
We can state the particle 的 after 目前 and 现在. When adding this particle, 目前 and 现在 are used as adjectives with the meaning of “current”.
after 目前 and 现在. When adding this particle, 目前 and 现在 are used as adjectives with the meaning of “current”.Examples
目前的危机无望结束
There is no end in sight for the current crisis
mùqián de wéijī wúwàng jiéshù
现在的主人极有可能不卖了
It is most likely that the current owner will not sell
xiànzài de zhǔrén jí yǒu kěnéng bù mài le
Different meanings
We use 目前 to indicate that an action or condition that began recently and is still going on.
to indicate that an action or condition that began recently and is still going on.Examples
到目前为止，事情还没有变化
So far, things haven't changed
dào mùqián wéizhǐ, shìqíng hái méi yǒu biànhuà
首相目前正在访问日本
The Prime Minister is currently visiting Japan
shǒuxiàng mùqián zhèngzài fǎngwèn rìběn
他目前因酒后驾车而受审
He is currently on trial for driving while drunk
tā mùqián yīn jiǔ hòu jiàchē ér shòushěn
We use 现在 to indicate a more specific time.
In contrast with 目前, we can use 现在 to talk about time, age or weight.
to indicate a more specific time.
In contrast with 目前, we can use 现在 to talk about time, age or weight.Examples
你现在能过来一趟吗？
Can you come now?
nǐ xiànzài néng guòlái yí tàng ma
你现在多大了？
How old are you now?
nǐ xiànzài duōdà le
现在下午四点
It's four in the afternoon now
xiànzài xiàwǔ sì diǎn
We often use 现在 to indicate a contrast between “before” and “now”. The noun 目前 can’t be used in this context.
Examples
现在的年轻人很懒
Nowadays, young people are lazy
xiànzài de niánqīngrén hěn lǎn