Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

今めかしい (いまめかしい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

今いまめかしい

Meanings

1

i-adjective

fashionable; modern-looking; up-to-date

Rare literary adjective describing something as stylish or contemporary in appearance. Seldom used in everyday speech; more common synonyms include 今風 (いまふう) or モダン.

その建たて物ものはいまめかしいデザインで、通とおりで目め立だっていた。
The building had a modern-looking design and stood out on the street.

Kanji

今now

Similar words

今いま風ふう
今風 is a common, neutral word for 'modern style' or 'contemporary', while 今めかしい is rare and literary.
モダン
モダン is a common loanword for 'modern', whereas 今めかしい is a rare native Japanese adjective with a similar meaning.

Etymology

Derived from 今 (いま, 'now') + めかしい (a suffix meaning '-like' or 'seeming'). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it follows a pattern seen in other adjectives like 古めかしい (いにしえめかしい, 'old-fashioned').