今

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

Meaning

Now; the present time; just now. Refers to the current moment.

An extremely common word used both as a noun and adverb. As a noun: 今は何時ですか (What time is it now?). As an adverb: 今行きます (I'm going now). Also forms compounds like 今日 (kyou, today), 今週 (konshuu, this week), and 今年 (kotoshi, this year). Can also mean 'just now' in past contexts.

Examples

1. 今、何時ですか。 What time is it now?
2. 今から出かけます。 I'm heading out now.
3. 今は忙しいです。 I'm busy right now.

Usage Guide

Context: daily conversation, asking time, immediate plans

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 今 is thought to depict a lid covering something, suggesting 'the present moment' — what is happening right under this cover of time.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal