今に

• Reading: いまに
• Romaji: imani
• Kanji breakdown: 今 (kon/ima) — now, present
• Pronunciation: /i.ma.ni/

Meaning

Before long; soon; eventually. Predicts something will happen in the near future.

An adverb that expresses confident expectation about the future. Often carries a warning or prophetic tone (今に見ていろ, just you wait and see; 今にわかる, you'll understand soon). Can be either positive anticipation or a veiled threat depending on context.

Examples

1. 今に後悔するよ、そんなことをしていると。 You'll regret it soon enough if you keep doing that.
2. 今にきっといいことがあるから頑張ろう。 Good things are bound to come before long, so hang in there.
3. 今に分かるから、もう少し待ってて。 You'll understand soon, so just wait a little longer.

Usage Guide

Context: warnings, encouragement, predictions

Tone: prophetic

Origin & History

Compound of 今 (ima, now) and the particle に (ni). Literally 'toward now' — pointing from the present moment forward into the imminent future.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal