Translation and Meaning of: 今にも - imanimo

If you've ever watched an anime or read a manga, you’ve probably come across the expression 今にも (いまにも), which carries that sense of suspense or expectation. But what exactly does this word mean and how is it used in daily life in Japan? In this article, we will explore the etymology, the pictogram, and the meaning of 今にも, as well as tips for memorization and interesting facts about its usage. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also learn how to write this word correctly and some sentences to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition systems.

The meaning and usage of 今にも

The expression 今にも (いまにも) is used to convey the idea that something is about to happen, like "at any moment" or "soon." It carries a tone of imminence, often associated with situations that may occur suddenly. For example, in a Japanese drama, you might hear something like "今にも雨が降りそうだ" (It looks like it's going to rain at any moment).

The interesting thing is that 今にも is not an isolated word, but rather a combination of 今 (now) and the particle にも, which reinforces the idea of something being on the verge of happening. Therefore, it is often used with verbs in the potential form or in the ~そう form to express this notion of something being "about to". If you have ever felt that anxiety that something might happen suddenly, this expression will make total sense.

The origin and writing of 今にも

The kanji 今 (いま) means "now" and is one of the most basic in Japanese, appearing in various everyday words. The particle にも does not have an associated kanji, being written only in hiragana. When combined, they form an expression that intensifies the notion of present time, almost as if the future is glued to now.

An interesting fact is that, although 今にも is common in conversations, it doesn't appear much in formal texts. Its use is more colloquial and dramatic, perfect for stories or everyday situations that need a little more tension. If you are learning Japanese, it's worth paying attention to how characters in anime and dorama use this expression to emphasize what is coming next.

Tips to memorize and use 今にも

An effective way to fix 今にも is to associate it with suspenseful situations. Imagine a movie scene where the villain is about to attack, or a sky full of dark clouds indicating rain. Creating these mental images helps not only the meaning but also the context in which the word is used. Another tip is to practice with sentences like "今にも電話が鳴りそう" (The phone seems like it’s going to ring at any moment).

If you use flashcards in Anki, include real examples of dialogues where 今にも appears. Watching videos or listening to podcasts in Japanese also helps to pick up the right intonation, as this expression often comes with a dramatic pause. And don't worry if it sounds a bit artificial at first — over time, natural use will come, especially if you practice in everyday contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 今すぐに (ima sugu ni) - Immediately
• 今すぐ (ima sugu) - Right now
• 今直ぐに (ima sugu ni) - Immediately
• 今直ぐ (ima sugu) - Right now
• 今度こそ (kondo koso) - This time, finally
• 今度は (kondo wa) - This time
• 今度こそは (kondo koso wa) - This time, for sure
• 今度はきっと (kondo wa kitto) - This time, surely
• 今すぐさっさと (ima sugu sassato) - Right now, quickly
• 今すぐ手早く (ima sugu tebayaku) - Right now, quickly
• 今すぐ手際よく (ima sugu tegiwoyoku) - Right now, efficiently
• 今すぐ手短に (ima sugu temijikan ni) - Right now, concisely
• 今すぐ手短に言って (ima sugu temijikan ni itte) - Right now, say it concisely.
• 今すぐ手短に話して (ima sugu temijikan ni hanashite) - Right now, speak concisely.
• 今すぐ手短に説明して (ima sugu temijikan ni setsumeishite) - Right now, explain concisely.
• 今すぐ手短に答えて (ima sugu temijikan ni Kotaete) - Right now, respond concisely.
• 今すぐ手短に教えて (ima sugu temijikan ni oshiete) - Right now, teach concisely.
• 今すぐ手短に伝えて (ima sugu temijikan ni tsutaete) - Right now, communicate concisely.
• 今すぐ手短に報告する (ima sugu temijikan ni houkoku suru) - Right now, make a report concisely.