Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "いまさら (imasara)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
いまさら
いまさら (imasara)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
今さら
いまさら (imasara)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "いまさら (imasara)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- いまさら (Level: N2): Translates to "Now, at this late stage; it's too late" and is used when An adverb meaning 'now, at this late hour/stage,' implying that it's too late to do something or that doing it now would be pointless or inappropriate. Often carries a sense of resignation or frustration..
- 今さら (Level: N2): Maps to "now (when it is already too late); at this late hour; (not) at all" and carries the nuance of Expresses a feeling of 'it's too late now' or 'what's the point now?', implying regret, futility, or a sense of being out of place..
Bilingual Context for "いまさら"
いまさら後悔しても、もう遅い。
It's too late to regret it now.
Bilingual Context for "今さら"
今さら後悔しても、もう遅い。
It's too late to regret it now.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿ 後悔しても、もう遅い。" (Meaning: "It's too late to regret it now.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "いまさら" is used for "Now, at this late stage; it's too late" in the context: "It's too late to regret it now.".