Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Now" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "now", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
とりあえず
とりあえず (toriaezu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
今さら
いまさら (imasara)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "now" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とりあえず and 今さら.
In Japanese, とりあえず (とりあえず (toriaezu)) is typically associated with "for now, for the time being, first of all" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express doing something as a temporary measure or as a first step before something more complete or permanent. Often implies 'let's do this first'..
On the other hand, 今さら (いまさら (imasara)) maps to "now (when it is already too late); at this late hour; (not) at all" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 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.. A literal translation of "now" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "とりあえず"
とりあえず、水を一杯ください。
For now, please give me a glass of water.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、水を一杯ください。" (Meaning: "For now, please give me a glass of water.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "とりあえず" fits here because it means "for now, for the time being, first of all" in the context of: "For now, please give me a glass of water.". "今さら" represents "now (when it is already too late); at this late hour; (not) at all".