Now and the present with 今
The kanji 今 means now or the present. It points to the current moment or the time presently under discussion.
Because the present can be divided into this day, this week, this year, and this occasion, 今 appears in many words for current time frames.
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 means from now on, hereafter, or in the future from the present point. It starts from the current moment and looks ahead.
It combines 今 (now) with 後 (after) to show after now.
A large gathering takes place in a mansion deep in the mountains, in celebration of Reika, daughter of the head of Yotsui Group. After Reika blows out the candles on her birthday cake, her father congratulates her on turning 24, then he turns and addresses their guests.
- 四井:
- 「本日は娘のためにわざわざこんな山奥まで足を運んでいただき、感謝の念にたえません！！」
- “I can't thank you enough for coming all the way up here in the mountains today for my daughter!”
- 「今後も娘共々、我が四井グループを
どうぞ よろしく！！」 - “Please continue to be favorable to both my daughter and my Yotsui Group in the future!”
- “I can't thank you enough for coming all the way up here in the mountains today for my daughter!”
今朝 (This morning)
今朝 means this morning. It refers to the morning of 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 means today. It refers to the current day as a whole.
It combines 今 (now) with 日 (day) to show the present day.
At the end of her school day, Chino pauses to think about tonight’s meal.
- チノ:
- 「今日の夕飯はココアさんがシチューを作ってくれるはず…」
- “Cocoa-san should be making stew for dinner today.”
今度 (This time)
今度 means this time, next time, or on this occasion, depending on context. It refers to a particular occurrence or turn in time rather than an abstract measure.
It combines 今 (now) with 度 (occurrence) to show the present or upcoming occasion.
Ninako confessed her feelings to Ren, even knowing he already has a girlfriend and would turn her down. After not seeing Ren during summer break, Ninako wonders if she’ll still be able to greet him normally. After a boy she turned down greets her normally, Ninako feels more confident.
- つかさ:
- 「ホラっ 仁奈子 今度はあんたの番だよっ」
- “Hey, Ninako, now it's your turn.”
- 「そろそろ連くん 来るんじゃない？」
- “Won't Ren being coming soon?”
- 「行っといで！！」
- “Go for it!!”
- “Hey, Ninako, now it's your turn.”
今更 (Now, after all this time)
今更 means now, after all this time, or at this late stage. It usually carries the nuance that something is belated or awkwardly late to bring up.
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?”
