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.
Referring to the current time, as opposed to past or future.
The most common and neutral way to say "now" as the present moment.
今、何時ですか。
What time is it now?
今、忙しいですか。
Are you busy now?
More formal, often used in writing or official contexts.
現在、空席はありません。
There are no seats available at present.
Very formal, used in business or announcements, like "at this moment."
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.
Indicating that something is happening at this moment or has just started.
Used before a verb to mean "from now on" or "starting now."
Emphasizes immediacy: "right now" or "immediately."
今すぐ来てください。
Please come right now.
Means "for now" or "so far," indicating a temporary state.
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.
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.
では、始めましょう。
Now, let's begin.
Used to change the subject, like "by the way" or "now that I think of it."
Highlighting that a situation has changed compared to before.
Telling someone to stop doing something immediately.
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.
今、食べています。
I'm eating now.
There are no problems for now.
ところで、明日の予定は？
Now, what about tomorrow's plans?
Now, nobody remembers.