いよいよ
いよいよ
adverb
finally; at last; more and more
1.
finally; at last; at long last
Indicates that something anticipated is about to happen or has begun.
いよいよ本番だ。
This is finally the real thing.
いよいよ明日から新学期が始まる。
The new semester finally starts tomorrow.
長い準備を経て、いよいよ開幕の日を迎えた。
After long preparations, the opening day has finally arrived.
2.
more and more; increasingly
Indicates that something is intensifying or becoming more pronounced.
雨がいよいよ激しくなってきた。
The rain has become increasingly intense.
状況はいよいよ深刻になっている。
The situation is becoming more and more serious.
秋が深まり、いよいよ寒くなってきた。
Autumn has deepened, and it's getting colder and colder.
TWO MAIN MEANINGS:
1) "Finally/at last" - Used when an anticipated moment arrives
- いよいよ出発だ: It's finally departure time
2) "More and more" - Indicates intensification
- いよいよ深刻になる: to become more and more serious
NUANCE: Often carries a sense of anticipation, excitement, or urgency. Can imply that something important is about to happen after a period of waiting.