Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

今までにない (いままでにない) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

今いままでにない

Meanings

1

expression, i-adjective

unprecedented; never seen before; first time in history

Used as a set phrase modifying a noun or as a predicate. Emphasizes that something has never occurred up to the present moment.

これは今いままでにない挑ちょう戦せんだ。
This is an unprecedented challenge.
今いままでにない規き模ぼの地じ震しんが発はっ生せい

し

た

。

An earthquake of a scale never seen before occurred.

Kanji

今now

Similar words

未み曾ぞ有う
未曾有 is a more formal, literary term for 'unprecedented', often used in news reports. 今までにない is a more everyday, conversational expression.
前ぜん例れいのない
前例のない also means 'unprecedented' but focuses on the lack of a precedent. 今までにない is broader and can refer to personal experience as well as historical events.

Etymology

A set phrase composed of 今まで (until now) + に (particle) + ない (not exist). Literally 'there is not until now', meaning something has never happened before.