What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 今 (now), は (topic marker) and 無理 (impossible/unreasonable), which literally translates to "now is impossible".
Which one should you use?
While 今は無理 carries a stronger nuance of being unable to cope with a request or it being impossible, other forms like 今はちょっと… are more indirect. Additionally, Ima wa mada desu specifically means "Not yet."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite tone, you can add 'desu' to the end to make it 今は無理です, which is suitable for use with acquaintances or colleagues. To be even more indirect and polite, you can use 今はちょっと…, which translates to "now is a little…". For casual situations, Ima wa chotto means "Not right now" and Ima wa sukoshi muzukashii means "It's a bit difficult now."
How do you pronounce it?
ima wa muri
Did you know?
- When using the more polite 今はちょっと…, the sentence is intentionally left unfinished to allow the listener to fill in the negative meaning themselves.
- The phrase 無理 (muri) shares a conceptual root with the idea of 'force' or 'violently pushing through', which is why it carries the sense of 'unreasonable' effort.
- In many business settings, instead of using 無理, people prefer using the word 難しい (muzukashii), meaning 'difficult', to soften the refusal.
Examples in context
- 今は無理です。Ima wa muri desu.It is not possible right now.
- 今は無理なので、また後で。Ima wa muri na node, mata ato de.I can't right now, so maybe later.
Example conversation
Kenta asks Yui to help him with some cleaning at home.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、ちょっと手伝ってくれる？Yui, chotto tetsudatte kureru?Yui, can you help me for a bit?
- 結衣 Yuiごめん、今は無理だよ。Gomen, ima wa muri da yo.Sorry, not right now.
- 健太 Kenta忙しいの？Isogashii no?Are you busy?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、すぐ終わるから待って。Un, sugu owaru kara matte.Yeah, wait a moment because I'll finish soon.
