今時
Meanings
1
these days; nowadays; modern times
Refers to the current era or recent times, often with a nuance of contrast to the past. Can be used as a noun or adverb.
Young people these days use smartphones a lot.
That way of thinking is old-fashioned nowadays.
2
at this time of day; at this hour
Used adverbially to refer to the current time of day, often implying it is late or unusual for something to happen.
Where are you going at this hour?
It's unusual for the phone to ring at this time of day.
Usage patterns
- 今時の〈人〉people/things typical of today
Young people these days are always looking at their smartphones.
- 今時こんな〈時〉にat this (unusually late) hour
Calling someone at this hour is inconsiderate.
- 今時〜なんてexpresses surprise that something outdated still exists these days
It's surprising that some companies still use fax machines these days.
- 今時珍しい〈事〉rare or unusual for this day and age
He's a rare young man these days, being so polite.