Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Now" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "now", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
今
いま (ima)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
とりあえず
とりあえず (toriaezu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "now" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 今 and とりあえず.
In Japanese, 今 (いま (ima)) is typically associated with "now" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the current moment or present time. Can be used as an adverb..
On the other hand, とりあえず (とりあえず (toriaezu)) maps to "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'.. A literal translation of "now" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "今"
今、何をしていますか。
What are you doing now?
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、何をしていますか。" (Meaning: "What are you doing now?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "今" fits here because it means "now" in the context of: "What are you doing now?". "とりあえず" represents "for now, for the time being, first of all".