いよいよ

い

よ

い

よ

Common wordJLPTN3Freq.FrequencyTop 5,000

Meanings

1

adverb

usually written using kana alone

Expresses a gradual increase in degree or intensity, often with a sense of anticipation or inevitability.

試し合あいはいよいよ面おも白しろくなってきた。

The game has become increasingly exciting.

2

adverb

at last; finally; beyond doubt

usually written using kana alone

Marks the long-awaited arrival of a moment or the final confirmation of something, often with emotional weight.

3

adverb

at the last moment; at the worst possible time

usually written using kana alone

Used when something critical happens right at the end or when a situation is most urgent; often appears in set phrases like いよいよという時.

ますます
ますます also means 'more and more', but it is more neutral and focuses on a steady increase, while いよいよ often carries a sense of climax or inevitability.
ついに
ついに means 'finally' with a focus on the end of a long process, whereas いよいよ emphasizes the arrival of an anticipated moment.

Derived from reduplication of いよ, an old adverb meaning 'more and more'. The exact origin of いよ is uncertain.