愈々
At last, Finally, More and more
Structure
Explanation
The adverb 愈々, which is almost always written in hiragana, is used to express that an anticipated event (A) is 'at last' or 'finally' happening. This often follows a long wait or a situation that has been gradually building up to this point (A).
Similar to other adverbs that modify the entire sentence, いよいよ is typically found at the beginning of the clause. In terms of formality, it is considered more conversational than a similar word like ついに.
- いよいよ来週から楽しみにしていた旅行だ！The trip I've been looking forward to is finally next week!
- いよいよ私の出番ね。心臓がドキドキするけど、練習したから大丈夫！It's finally my turn. My heart is pounding, but I practiced so I'll be fine!
Because いよいよ can emphasize an intensifying situation, it is also often used to mean 'more and more' or 'increasingly'.
- 夜が深くなるにつれて、いよいよ雨が激しくなってきた。As the night wore on, the rain grew more and more intense.
- その映画を見続けていると、話がいよいよ面白くなってきた。As I kept watching the movie, the story became more and more interesting.
You can generally tell whether いよいよ means 'finally' or 'more and more' from the context. It implies 'finally' when leading up to a specific, concluding moment, and 'more and more' when describing a state that is still developing.
Examples
愈々明日は結婚式だ。
The wedding is finally tomorrow.
愈々試験の日が来た。
The day of the exam has finally come.
愈々日本への旅行が始まる。
Our trip to Japan is finally starting.
愈々決勝戦が始まる時間だ。
It's finally time for the final match to begin.
愈々新しい家に引っ越すんだ。
We're finally moving into our new house.
愈々明日、合格発表がある。
The acceptance results will finally be announced tomorrow.
赤ちゃんが愈々生まれる。
The baby is finally about to be born.
愈々このドラマも最終回だね。
This drama is finally on its last episode, isn't it?
プロジェクトの締め切りも愈々だ。
The project deadline is finally upon us.
愈々お店のグランドオープンだ！
The store's grand opening is finally here!
愈々楽しみにしていた映画が公開される。
The movie I've been looking forward to will finally be released.
愈々僕も二十歳か。
So I'm finally turning twenty.