今更

• Reading: いまさら
• Romaji: imasara
• Kanji breakdown: 今 (ima) — now, present; 更 (sara) — again, renew, change
• Pronunciation: /i.ma.sa.ɾa/

Meaning

Now (when it is already too late); at this stage; at this point. Implies the timing is inappropriate.

An adverb expressing that an action or statement comes too late to be meaningful or effective. Carries a tone of resignation, exasperation, or futility. Often used in patterns like 今更～ても (even if... now) or 今更ながら (belatedly). Can express both self-directed regret and criticism of others' tardiness.

Examples

1. 今更謝っても許してもらえないだろう。 Apologizing now probably won't get you forgiven.
2. 今更ながら、あの時の判断は間違っていたと思う。 Belatedly, I realize that my judgment at that time was wrong.
3. 試験は来週なのに今更焦っても仕方がない。 The exam is next week — it's too late to start panicking now.

Usage Guide

Context: regret, resignation, criticism, self-reflection

Tone: resigned

Origin & History

From 今 (ima, now) + 更 (sara, again/anew). Literally 'now again' — the sense that revisiting something at this point is futile because the appropriate time has passed.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal