今

ima
ja
en
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now, at present, nowadays, these days, another
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/iꜜma/
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Points to the present moment, the current age, or a little further beyond.
Practice using 今 in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • 今、何時ですか。
    What time is it now?
  • 今、電話してもいいですか。
    May I call you now?
  • 今少しお待ちください。
    Please wait a little longer.
  • 今の子どもは学校でパソコンを使う。
    Children today use computers at school.
  • 今一つ欲しいものがある。
    There is one more thing I want.

Similar words

ただいま
もう
さらに
現在
現在
現代

Meanings

Now

noun
time
neutral
The time around speaking, including something just done or about to happen.

Examples

  • 今、何時ですか。
    What time is it now?
  • 父は今、家にいます。
    My father is at home now.
  • 今から出かけます。
    I am going out now.
  • 今、電話してもいいですか。
    May I call you now?
  • バスは今来たところです。
    The bus has just arrived.

Similar words

現在
ただいま

Nowadays

noun
era
neutral
The present period or conditions compared with the past.

Examples

  • 今の子どもは学校でパソコンを使う。
    Children today use computers at school.
  • 今は昔より交通が便利だ。
    Travel is easier nowadays than in the past.
  • 今の仕事が好きです。
    I like my current job.
  • 今の町はずいぶん変わった。
    The town now has changed a great deal.
  • この歌は今でも人気がある。
    This song is still popular today.

Similar words

現代
現在

One more

adverb
quantity
formal
Before a small quantity or measure, adds another amount; somewhat formal.

Examples

  • 今少しお待ちください。
    Please wait a little longer.
  • 今一度、確認しましょう。
    Let us check once more.
  • 今一つ欲しいものがある。
    There is one more thing I want.
  • 今少し時間が必要です。
    We need a little more time.
  • 今一歩、前に出てください。
    Please take one more step forward.

Similar words

もう
さらに

Etymology

A native Japanese time word written with the character 今.

FAQ

How do you read 今?

It is read いま, romanized ima.

Can it mean “just now”?

Yes. It can point to the moment immediately before speech.

How is 今 different from 今日?

今 usually means now, while 今日 means today.

Can it mean nowadays?

Yes. 今の子ども can mean children these days.

What does 今一度 mean?

It means “once more,” a somewhat formal use.

Comments & contributions

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