1.
now (after all this time), at this late stage
Indicates that it's too late for something, or questions the point of doing something now.
今更言われても困る。
It's troublesome to be told that now (of all times).
今更後悔しても遅い。
It's too late to regret it now.
今更ですが、質問があります。
I know it's late to ask, but I have a question.
Polite hedging usage
今更 expresses that something is too late or pointless at this stage.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 今更～ても (even if ~ now...)
- 今更ですが (I know it's late, but...)
- 今更ながら (belatedly, even now)
NUANCES:
- Often implies frustration or resignation
- Can soften requests when used with ですが
- 今更ながら is more literary/formal