今月

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 今月 is read こんげつ and means the month containing the time of speaking.
• Basic usage: It describes activities already done this month or plans due within it.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Calendar month and duration
  • 今月 identifies the current calendar month; 一か月 is a duration of one month. 今月 does not mean the month-long period starting today.
• までに for a deadline
  • 今月の終わりまでに払う means completing payment by the end of this month. Distinguish that deadline from an action continuing until a time with まで.