Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "今", "とりあえず", "いざ", "今さら"
All represent the core concept "now", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
今
いま (ima)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
とりあえず
とりあえず (toriaezu)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
いざ
いざ (iza)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
今さら
いまさら (imasara)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "now" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "今", "とりあえず", "いざ", "今さら" based on context.
- 今 (いま (ima) - Level: N5): Maps to "now" and is used when Refers to the current moment or present time. Can be used as an adverb..
- とりあえず (とりあえず (toriaezu) - Level: N3): Maps to "for now, for the time being, first of all" and is used when 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'..
- いざ (いざ (iza) - Level: N2): Maps to "Now, come on; at that critical moment" and is used when An interjection or adverb. Often used to prompt action.
- 今さら (いまさら (imasara) - Level: N2): Maps to "now (when it is already too late); at this late hour; (not) at all" and is used when 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..
Context for "今"
今、何をしていますか。
What are you doing now?
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.
Context for "いざ"
いざという時に困らないように、準備しておこう。
Let's prepare so we won't be in trouble when the time comes.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "now" in the context: "What are you doing now?".