1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “今” (pronounced “ima”) means “now” or “the present.” It signifies the current moment in time, emphasizing immediacy and relevance.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “今” is a phono-semantic compound character, which means it combines both meaning and sound elements. The character is made up of the radical 人 (person) at the bottom, which suggests a connection to human activity, and the top part, which is a phonetic component.
The radical 人 is often associated with actions or states related to people, reinforcing the idea of the present moment as it pertains to human experience.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “今” are:
- 今週 (konshuu) – this week
- 今月 (kongetsu) – this month
- 今すぐ (imasugu) – right now
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 今、何をしていますか？ (Ima, nani o shiteimasu ka?) – What are you doing now?
- 今の天気はどうですか？ (Ima no tenki wa dou desu ka?) – How is the weather now?
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 現 (gen) – which means “present” or “to appear,” but is often used in more formal contexts.
- 時 (ji) – meaning “time,” which is broader and not limited to the present moment.
Antonyms include:
- 過去 (kako) – meaning “past.”
- 未来 (mirai) – meaning “future.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “今” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of the present moment in various philosophies, such as Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes mindfulness and living in the now.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “今” are:
- 今を生きる (ima o ikiru) – to live in the present.
- 今が一番大事 (ima ga ichiban daiji) – now is the most important.