今 – Now (Kon / Ima Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 今.
Kanji 今 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
今 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 今回 (konkai – this time) and 今後 (kongo – from now on, hereafter).
Used as a standalone word meaning "now," such as 今、忙しいです (ima, isogashii desu – I am busy right now).
今 Stroke Order – How to Write 今
今 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top diagonal stroke, then the second diagonal stroke, then the horizontal stroke, finishing with the bottom enclosing stroke.
Common Words Using 今 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 今, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 今
See 今 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
今、何をしていますか。
いま、なにを していますか。
Ima, nani o shite imasu ka.
What are you doing now?
今日はいい天気ですね。
きょうは いい てんきですね。
Kyou wa ii tenki desu ne.
The weather is nice today, isn't it?
今週は忙しいです。
こんしゅうは いそがしいです。
Konshuu wa isogashii desu.
I am busy this week.
今夜、友達と食事をします。
こんや、ともだちと しょくじを します。
Kon'ya, tomodachi to shokuji o shimasu.
I will have dinner with a friend tonight.
今すぐ来てください。
いますぐ きてください。
Ima sugu kite kudasai.
Please come right now.
Frequently Asked Questions About 今
What does the Kanji 今 mean?
今 means now. It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 今日 (kyou, today) and 今年 (kotoshi, this year).
What is the Onyomi reading of 今?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 今 is コン (kon), as in 今回 (konkai, this time) and 今後 (kongo, from now on).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 今?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 今 is いま (ima), meaning "now," as in 今、何をしていますか (ima, nani o shite imasu ka, what are you doing now?).
How many strokes does 今 have?
今 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 今 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 今 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for everyday time expressions like 今日 (kyou, today) and 今週 (konshuu, this week).
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