今いまか今いまか

adverb taking the 'to' particle

eagerly waiting; impatiently waiting

Describes the state of waiting with great anticipation or impatience, often used with verbs like 待つ. The repetition intensifies the feeling.

• 彼かれは今いまか今いまかと彼かの女じょの返へん事じを待まっている。

  He is waiting eagerly for her reply.

• 子こどもたちは今いまか今いまかとプレゼントが開あけられるのを待まっていた。

  The children were waiting impatiently to open their presents.