今更
Meanings
1
now (when it's too late); at this late stage
Expresses that an action or realization comes too late to be useful or appropriate. Often carries a nuance of regret, criticism, or futility.
It's too late to regret it now.
It's no use telling me that at this stage.
2
Used when something is done again after a long interval, often with a sense of 'starting over' or 'revisiting'. Less common than sense 1.
I decided to study again from the basics, even at this late stage.
Usage patterns
- 今更〈動詞〉てもeven if one does ~ now, it's already too late
It's too late to apologize now.
- 今更〜と言われてもeven if I'm told ~ now (it puts me in a difficult spot)
Even if you tell me to stop now, that puts me in a bind.
- 今更〈事〉のことだがit's a bit late to bring this up, but ~
It's a bit late to say this, but I agree with his opinion.
- 今更〈動詞〉のも変だがit might seem odd to do ~ at this point, but ~
It might seem odd to ask now, but what was his name again?
Expressions
- 今更ながらnow, although it is too late; at this late hour · afresh; anew; again