Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 今 | ima | [ima̠] (narrow) |
| 現在 | genzai | [ɡẽ̞nd͡za̠i] (narrow) |
Both terms describe the present time, but they are used in different contexts. 今 is the standard, everyday way to say "now", whereas 現在 is used to refer to the current state or present time in more professional or technical settings.
Which one should you use?
今 is the common, general-purpose term for "now". In contrast, 現在 is a formal term used to mean "at the present time" or "currently", often appearing in professional or technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, 今 can be used without any particles. However, it is frequently followed by the particle は to emphasize "now" as the specific time being discussed, as in 今は.
How do you pronounce it?
ima
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use ただいま to mean "now". That expression is specifically used when returning home or entering a place to signify "I'm back" or "I have just arrived".
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word for 'now' is often used in the phrase 今さら, which doesn't just mean 'now' but implies that it is 'too late' for something to happen.
- The word 今 is thought to be a combination of a word for 'this' and the word 間 (ma), which refers to 'space' or 'interval'.
- The word 今 appears in the 'Kojiki', one of the oldest surviving Japanese texts from 712 CE, showing the term has been used for over 1300 years.
Examples in context
- 今は忙しい。I'm busy now.This sentence shows how to use 今 to describe a current state of being busy.Tatoeba #172628 by KK_kaku_, translation #241566 by CK
- 今しかない。It's now or never.This sentence demonstrates the use of 今 to express that a moment is unique or immediate.Tatoeba #172845 by bunbuku, translation #241628 by CK
- 今って１人？Are you alone now?This sentence uses 今 to ask about someone's current situation.Tatoeba #8810210 by bunbuku, translation #5836069 by OsoHombre
- 今、何してるの？What are you doing right now?
- 1310 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Himari and Ren are meeting up for lunch.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、今どこ？Ren-kun, ima doko?Ren, where are you now?
- 蓮 Ren今、駅に着いたよ。Ima, eki ni tsuita yo.I just arrived at the station now.
- 陽葵 Himari私も今行くね。Watashi mo ima iku ne.I'm going there now too.
- 蓮 Renわかった。待ってるね。Wakatta. Matteru ne.Got it. I'll be waiting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “now” translations and entries 今, 現在, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 今, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
