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今

今 — now

Learn the correct stroke order for 今 (now), a 4-stroke kanji.

JLPT N5Grade 24 strokes

Stroke Order

1234
Stroke 0 / 4
On'yomi (音読み)コンkon、キンkin
Kun'yomi (訓読み)いまima
Strokes4
Radical人
Frequency#49
Meaningsnow

Step-by-Step Diagram

1
2
3
4

Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 4 — start from the green dot

Common Words

古今ここんancient and modern times; all ages; past and presentnoun
今にいまにbefore long; even nowadverb
今やいまやnow (esp. in contrast to the past); now at last; at presentadverb
今一いまいちnot quite (right); not very good; somewhat (lacking)adverb
今夏こんかthis summer; next summer; last summernoun
今回こんかいthis time; nownoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 今 (now) is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N5 level. It has 4 strokes with radical 人.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 今 is #49, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

古今ここん — ancient and modern times; all ages; past and present
今にいまに — before long; even now
今やいまや — now (esp. in contrast to the past); now at last; at present

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (人)

人person介jammed in仏Buddha仁humanity代substitute以by means of付adhere仕attend

Same reading

金gold

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 今 have?

The kanji 今 (now) has 4 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 今?

今 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 今 mean?

今 means: now. On'yomi readings: コン, キン. Kun'yomi readings: いま.

What JLPT level is 今?

今 is a JLPT N5 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.