今回

• Reading: こんかい
• Romaji: konkai
• Kanji breakdown: 今 (kon/ima) — now, present; 回 (kai) — time, turn, round
• Pronunciation: /koɴ.ka.i/

Meaning

This time; now; the current occasion. Refers to the present instance of a recurring event.

A noun that also functions adverbially, used to distinguish the current occurrence from previous or future ones. Extremely common in both spoken and written Japanese. Frequently appears at the start of sentences: 今回は特別なイベントです (This time is a special event). Related words include 前回 (zenkai, last time) and 次回 (jikai, next time).

Examples

1. 今回の試験は思ったより簡単だった。 This time's exam was easier than I expected.
2. 今回は私がおごるよ。 This time it's my treat.
3. 前回と今回の結果を比べてみよう。 Let's compare the results from last time and this time.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, business, events

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 今 (kon, now/present) and 回 (kai, time/turn/round). 今 shows a lid covering something — the present moment being contained. 回 depicts a circular motion, representing a recurring turn.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal