今すぐ
ima sugu[ima̠ sɨɡɯ̟]
In Japanese, 'right now' is expressed as 今すぐ (ima sugu).
今すぐ is used to indicate that something should happen at this precise moment. It is often used when giving commands or expressing a strong intention to act without delay.
Meaning: at this precise moment (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 今 (ima), meaning 'now' and すぐ (sugu), meaning 'immediately'.
Which one should you use?
While 今 (ima) means 'now' in a general sense, 今すぐ (ima sugu) adds an element of urgency, meaning 'immediately' or 'right away'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because it functions as an adverb, 今すぐ can be placed at the beginning of a sentence or directly before the verb it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
ima sugu
Did you know?
- The word すぐ (sugu) is derived from a root meaning 'straight' or 'direct', imagining a straight line from the present to the action.
- The word 今 (ima) can refer to a single moment or expand to describe an entire historical 'era' or 'age'.
- If you want to sound more polite when asking someone to do something 'right now', you might add ください (kudasai) to the end, but using 今すぐ in a professional setting can actually sound quite aggressive or demanding.
Examples in context
- 今すぐします。I will do it right now.This sentence shows how to use 今すぐ to express an intention to perform an action.Tatoeba #157082 by KK_kaku_, translation #257452 by CK
- 今すぐ行くよ。I'll come right now.This sentence shows how to use 今すぐ to indicate an immediate movement.Tatoeba #172821 by tommy__san, translation #241649 by CK
- 今すぐやめろ。Stop doing this right now.This sentence shows how to use 今すぐ when giving a command to stop.Tatoeba #11058396 by small_snow, translation #10150787 by Ricardo14
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta is asking Himari to help him with a task.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、今すぐ手伝ってくれる？Himari, imasugu tetsudatte kureru?Himari, can you help me right now?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。何をすればいい？Ii yo. Nani o sureba ii?Sure. What should I do?
- 陽太 Yotaこの荷物を今すぐ運んでほしいんだ。Kono nimotsu o imasugu hakonde hoshii nda.I want you to carry this luggage right now.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった。すぐにやるね。Wakatta. Sugu ni yaru ne.Got it. I'll do it immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right now” translations and entries 今すぐ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 今すぐ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
