Translation guide
Expresses that something is expected to happen very soon, often within moments. Japanese uses various adverbs and set phrases depending on the nuance of imminence, formality, and whether the event is desired or not.
To say that something will happen in the immediate future, often within seconds or minutes.
Used with verbs to indicate that an action seems about to happen at any moment. Often used for things like starting to rain, crying, or collapsing.
今にも雨が降り出しそうだ。
It looks like it's going to start raining any time now.
彼女は今にも泣き出しそうだった。
She looked like she was about to burst into tears any time now.
A very common and neutral way to say 'soon' or 'in a moment'. Suitable for most situations.
もうすぐバスが来るよ。
The bus will be here any time now.
もうすぐ会議が始まります。
The meeting will start any time now.
Implies that the expected time is approaching, often with a sense of 'it's about time'. Can be used when waiting for something to happen.
そろそろ彼が到着するはずだ。
He should be arriving any time now.
そろそろ始めましょうか。
Shall we start? (implying it's about time)
Formal and often used in announcements or written language. Equivalent to 'shortly' or 'presently'.
間もなく電車が参ります。
The train will be arriving any time now.
To emphasize that something could happen suddenly and without warning.
Literally 'any time', but can be used to mean 'at any moment' when combined with verbs of happening. Often used with potential or sudden events.
地震はいつでも起こり得る。
An earthquake could happen any time now.
Emphatic expression meaning 'at any moment' or 'whenever', often used in warnings or dramatic contexts.
To reassure someone that something will happen very soon, often in response to 'When?'.
Casual and friendly way to say 'It'll be any time now'.
「いつ着くの？」「もうすぐだよ。」
"When will we arrive?" "Any time now."
Formal and somewhat old-fashioned, meaning 'just a little longer'. Used in polite requests for patience.
今しばらくお待ちください。
Please wait just a little longer (it will be any time now).
もうすぐ is the most common and neutral. そろそろ implies that the expected time has come or is slightly overdue. 間もなく is formal and often used in announcements. For 'any time now' in the sense of imminent action, 今にも is best when describing something that looks like it's about to happen.
Do not translate 'any time now' word-for-word as いつでも今. This is unnatural. Use the phrases above depending on context.
We don't know when the enemy might attack—it could be any time now.