今向かっています
ima mukatte imasu
In Japanese, "on my way" is expressed as 今向かっています (ima mukatte imasu).
This phrase is used to inform someone that you have already started traveling toward their location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ima (now), mukatte (the te-form of "to head toward") and imasu (the polite continuous auxiliary verb).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 今向かっています is polite and suitable for use with acquaintances, colleagues or people you are not close friends with. In casual conversation with friends or family, you can use the informal version 今向かってる by dropping the polite endings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mukau (to head toward) is used in the continuous form to indicate that the action of traveling toward the destination is currently in progress.
How do you pronounce it?
ima mukatte imasu
Did you know?
- Unlike English where you say 'I am coming', Japanese uses 向かう ('heading toward') because saying 'coming' (来る) is usually reserved for the person receiving the visitor.
- In casual social contexts, saying 今向かっています can sometimes be a 'social white lie' meaning the speaker has only just woken up or is still getting dressed.
- If you want to be even more polite than 今向かっています, you might use ただいま向かっております (tadaima mukatte orimasu) when speaking to a client or a superior.
Examples in context
- 今行くよI'm on my way.
- 今向かっています。Ima mukatte imasu.I am on my way now.
- 駅へ今向かっています。Eki e ima mukatte imasu.I am on my way to the station now.
- 家へ今向かっています。Ie e ima mukatte imasu.I am on my way home now.
Example conversation
Ren is running late for a meeting with Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さん、もう着きましたか？Ren-san, mō tsukimashita ka?Ren, have you arrived yet?
- 蓮 Renごめん！今向かっています。Gomen! Ima mukatte imasu.Sorry! I'm on my way now.
- 陽葵 Himariあとどれくらいで着きますか？Ato dore kurai de tsukimasu ka?About how much longer until you arrive?
- 蓮 Renあと5分で着きます。Ato go-fun de tsukimasu.I'll be there in five minutes.
