1.
before long, soon
In the near future, after a while.
今に分かるよ。
You'll understand soon.
今に雨が降りそうだ。
It looks like it will rain soon.
2.
eventually, one of these days
At some point in the future, with a sense of certainty.
今に見ていろ。
Just you wait and see.
Threatening/challenging tone
今に後悔するよ。
You'll regret it eventually.
今に始まったことではない。
This isn't something that just started.
Fixed expression meaning the situation has been going on for a while
努力すれば、今にきっと成功する。
If you keep trying, you'll surely succeed eventually.
今に indicates something will happen soon or eventually.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 今に分かる (you'll understand soon)
- 今に見ていろ (just you wait)
- 今に始まったことではない (not something that just started)
NUANCES:
- Often implies confidence or warning
- Can have threatening undertone: "You'll see!"
- 今に見ていろ is a common challenging expression