synonym Comparative
もはや
VS
今さら
Differences Between "もはや" and "今さら"
Option A
もはや
Meaning
no longer, already (at this point), by now
Reading
もはや (mohaya)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
状況はもはや我々の手に負えない。
The situation is no longer under our control.
Option B
今さら
Meaning
now (when it is already too late); at this late hour; (not) at all
Reading
いまさら (imasara)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
今さら後悔しても、もう遅い。
It's too late to regret it now.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(no longer, already (at this point), by now)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- もはや: Implies that a previous state has changed, or an action is complete, often with a sense of finality, resignation, or the impossibility of reversing a situation. Can suggest 'it's too late now'.
- 今さら: 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. (「もう遅すぎる」「今となっては意味がない」という後悔や徒労感、あるいは場違い感を伴うニュアンスを持つ。)
- もはや: Implies that a previous state has changed, or an action is complete, often with a sense of finality, resignation, or the impossibility of reversing a situation. Can suggest 'it's too late now'.
- 今さら: 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. (「もう遅すぎる」「今となっては意味がない」という後悔や徒労感、あるいは場違い感を伴うニュアンスを持つ。)
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