This is the 57th most frequent Japanese word.


"Now" or "the present."


In this sentence, '今' (ima) means 'now,' referring to the present time when the action is occurring.

今、私は図書館にいます。

Now, I am at the library.


Here, '今' (ima) is used to denote the current moment relative to the speaker's context.

今は忙しいですから、後で話しましょう。

Because I am busy now, let's talk later.


'今' (ima) in this usage is asking about the present time's activity, emphasizing immediacy.

今、何をしていますか?

What are you doing now?