Now and the present with 今
今 primarily means “present”, “this moment”, and “right now”.
Etymology
This kanji originated from the 鈴. It was later borrowed for the meaning “now”.
Now and the Present
今後 (From now on)
今後 refers to the period ahead or the future, starting from this very moment.
It combines 今 (now) with 後 (after) to show what comes after now.
Cocoa did fortune telling for her friends, only for all their fortunes to happen to her in a bad way.
- リゼ:
- 「今後占いやめた方がいいぞ自分のために」
- “For your own sake, you had better stop fortune telling from now on.”
今朝 (This morning)
今朝 refers to “this day’s morning” or “the period from dawn to midday on the current day”.
It combines 今 (now) with 朝 (morning) to show this morning.
Komura sees Mie pick up an item she dropped and he wonders if it’s an earring. He fails to get a look at whether Mie’s ears are pierced. During class later, Mie shows Komura the item held up to her ear calling it a 「ピアス」. She then reveals it’s just a bead.
- 三重:
- 「私ピアス開けてないし」
- “Since I don't have my ears pierced.”
- 小村:
- 「あっ… …今朝落としてたのもビーズ？」
- “Ah, the item you dropped this morning was a bead?”
- 三重:
- 「うん」
- “Mmhm.”
今日 (Today)
今日 refers to the “current day” in which the speaker is living. It is also used to refer to “the present era” or “the present moment”.
It combines 今 (now) with 日 (day) to show the present day.
A magical bird appears at Sakura’s school and causes trouble with strong winds. Recognizing it as a Clow Card, Sakura returns at night to try to capture it. After she fails, she returns the next night to try again, sporting a new Cardcaptor outfit designed by her friend Tomoyo.
- 知世:
- 「今日の衣装は鳥さん捕獲に合わせて羽をイメージしてみました」
- “For today's outfit, I went with a feather-inspired look to match the bird-catching theme.”
今度 (This time)
今度 generally has two meanings: (1) the present (this time) and (2) the near future (next time). Depending on the context, it can refer to either the “past to present” or the “future”.
It combines 今 (now) with 度 (occurrence) to show the present or upcoming occasion.
When Cocoa picks up another student’s dropped handkerchief, she uses the opportunity to show off her devilish nature to Chiya they discussed earlier.
- ココア:
- 「これも何かの縁なので今度お昼一緒にどうですか？」
- “How about we have lunch together next time, since this, too, is a meeting of chance?”
今更 (Now, after all this time)
今更 is a phrase that means “it would have been better if it had happened sooner, but now it’s too late” or “to do something now, after all this time”. It is often used to imply that it is “too late” to do anything about a situation.
It combines 今 (now) with 更 (late) to show bringing something up only now.
During class, Makoto hears her cat meowing over the school’s intercom. After retrieving her cat, Makoto is confronted by another student. The student, also a witch, verbally reprimands Makoto over the ordeal. A few minutes into their conversation, Makoto asks the girl a question.
- 真琴:
- 「あの～ 今更なんですがお名前は…」
- “Um... It's a bit late for this, but what's your name?”
