Readings: コン (Onyomi), いま (Kunyomi)
Meaning: now, the present, this (time)
今 is a frequently used kanji meaning “now” or “the present.” It is seen in daily expressions like 今 (now), 今週 (this week), 今日 (today), and 今月 (this month).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 人 (person variant) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 4 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 1st Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | コン |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | いま |
How to Write – Stroke Order
The top part of 今 suggests a cover or lid, and the lower part means “person” or “present.” It combines to express the idea of the current moment.
- Start with the top stroke (cover)
- Then write the 人 (person) component underneath
Example Sentences
Japanese: 今、何時ですか？
Kana: いま、なんじですか？
Romaji: Ima, nanji desu ka?
English: What time is it now?
Japanese: 今週は忙しいです。
Kana: こんしゅうはいそがしいです。
Romaji: Konshuu wa isogashii desu.
English: I’m busy this week.
Japanese: 今月、日本へ行きます。
Kana: こんげつ、にほんへいきます。
Romaji: Kongetsu, Nihon e ikimasu.
English: I’m going to Japan this month.
Vocabulary Using 今
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 今 | いま | now |
| 今日 | きょう | today |
| 今週 | こんしゅう | this week |
| 今月 | こんげつ | this month |
| 今夜 | こんや | tonight |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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