今にも

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

Meaning

At any moment; on the verge of; about to. Describes imminent action on the brink of happening.

An adverb that intensifies 今に by adding も, expressing extreme imminence. Almost always followed by a そうだ construction (今にも泣きそう, about to cry any second; 今にも倒れそう, about to collapse). Creates a vivid sense of tension or urgency.

Examples

1. 空が暗くて今にも雨が降りそうだ。 The sky is dark and it looks like it could rain at any moment.
2. 彼女は今にも泣き出しそうな顔をしていた。 She had a face that looked like she was about to burst into tears.
3. 古い橋が今にも壊れそうで怖かった。 The old bridge looked like it could collapse at any moment, which was scary.

Usage Guide

Context: descriptions, tension, weather

Tone: urgent

Origin & History

Extension of 今に (imani, before long) with the emphatic particle も (mo, even/also). The addition of も heightens the urgency, shifting from 'soon' to 'at this very moment.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal