Which one should you use?
While 今行きます is the standard way to say you are coming, the form 行きます technically means "I am going" but can also be used to convey your arrival at someone's location. Additionally, you might encounter 今行くよ for informal situations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal and polite way to say "I am coming", you can use まいります. In casual settings with friends or family, you should use the informal version 今行くよ.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 今行きます, the verb ikimasu is in the polite non-past form, which is used to express an action that is about to happen immediately.
How do you pronounce it?
ima ikimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 今来ます (now come) to say you are coming. This is a mistake when you are the one moving toward the listener. You must use the verb for "to go" instead.
Did you know?
- If you use 来ます (to come) to say 'I am coming', a Japanese speaker might think you are speaking from the perspective of a third party or imagining yourself already at the destination.
- Using the polite 今行きます with a close sibling can create an emotional distance, making you sound cold or distant rather than just polite.
- The word 今 (ima) in this phrase acts more like a verbal contract than a clock. It signals an immediate intent to act rather than providing a specific time for arrival.
Examples in context
- 田中さん、すぐに参ります。Mr./Ms. Tanaka, I am coming right away.
- お待たせしました、もうすぐ参ります。Sorry for the wait, I am coming soon.
- 明日、お宅に伺いますので、お時間の調整をお願いできますか？Tomorrow, I will come to your house. Can we arrange a suitable time?
- 会議室に向かっていますので、もうすぐ行きます。I am heading towards the meeting room, so I will be there soon.
- 今から行くよ！待っててね。I'm coming right now! Please wait for me.
- 準備できました。今行きます。junbi dekimashita. ima ikimasu.I am ready. I am coming now.
Example conversation
Misaki is calling Hinata from another room to come to the dining table.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太君、ご飯だよ！Youta-kun, gohan da yo!Hinata, dinner is ready!
- 陽太 Yota今行きます！ima ikimasu!I am coming!
- 美咲 Misaki早くしてね。hayaku shite ne.Hurry up.
- 陽太 Yotaすぐ行くよ。sugu iku yo.I'll be there soon.
