Translation guide
The English word "now" is used to talk about the present moment, immediate actions, changes, and as a discourse marker. Japanese expresses these with different words and patterns depending on the function.
now (present moment)
Referring to the current time, as opposed to past or future.
The most common and neutral way to say "now" as the present moment.
What time is it now?
Are you busy now?
More formal, often used in writing or official contexts.
Very formal, used in business or announcements, like "at this moment."
Indicating that something is happening at this moment or has just started.
Used before a verb to mean "from now on" or "starting now."
I'll start now.
Using "now" to shift focus or introduce a new idea in conversation.
Common discourse marker meaning "now then" or "well now," used to change the subject or start something.
Highlighting that a situation has changed compared to before.
Often translates to "now" in the sense of "already" or "anymore," indicating a change of state.
Telling someone to stop doing something immediately.
Rough command meaning "don't do it anymore" or "stop it now."
Don't cry now.
In many cases, "now" is part of a fixed phrase or discourse function where 今 would sound unnatural. For example, "Now, let's begin" is better as では始めましょう, not 今始めましょう.
Japanese often omits time words when the context makes it clear. If you're talking about the present, you may not need to say 今 at all. For instance, "I'm studying now" can simply be 勉強しています.
現在、空席はありません。
There are no seats available at present.
ただいま電話に出ることができません。
We are unable to answer the phone right now.
I'm leaving now.
Emphasizes immediacy: "right now" or "immediately."
Please come right now.
Means "for now" or "so far," indicating a temporary state.
There are no problems for now.
さて、次の話題に移りましょう。
Now, let's move on to the next topic.
Means "now" or "then" when starting an action or concluding.
Now, let's begin.
Used to change the subject, like "by the way" or "now that I think of it."
Now, what about tomorrow's plans?
もう子供じゃない。
I'm not a child now.
It's late now.
Means "now" in contrast to the past, often used to show how things have changed.
Now, nobody remembers.
Softer request to stop doing something.
Don't say it now.
Now I understand.
Here "now" expresses a change, so やっと (finally) is more natural than 今.