Translation guide
Expresses that something will happen in the near future, without specifying exactly when. Japanese uses several time adverbs and set phrases, with different nuances for formality, expectation, and narrative style.
The most common, neutral way to say something will happen in the near future.
The most natural, everyday word for 'soon' or 'before long'. Used in both speech and writing.
Slightly more formal than もうすぐ. Often used in announcements, written notices, or polite speech.
間もなく電車が参ります。
The train will arrive before long.
間もなく開演いたします。
The performance will begin before long.
Literally 'within the near (time)'. Implies 'sometime soon' but less immediate than もうすぐ. Often used for plans or intentions.
近いうちにまた会いましょう。
Let's meet again before long.
近いうちに結果が出ると思います。
I think the results will come out before long.
Emphasizes that something will happen after some time passes, often with a sense of inevitability or natural progression.
Suggests a natural, inevitable outcome after a period of time. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
やがて雨も上がるでしょう。
The rain will stop before long.
彼はやがて来るだろう。
He will come before long.
Means 'sooner or later' or 'eventually'. Often used when the exact timing is unknown but the outcome is certain.
Very casual and common in conversation. Means 'before long' or 'one of these days', often with a vague, non-committal nuance.
そのうち慣れるよ。
You'll get used to it before long.
Used to say that something will happen soon, often with a sense of anticipation or warning. Focuses on the short time remaining.
Attach to a verb or clause to say 'before long, X will happen'. Very common and natural.
もうすぐ日が暮れる。
It won't be long before the sun sets.
Formal version of the above pattern. Used in announcements and writing.
間もなく出発いたします。
We will depart before long.
Means 'soon' or 'directly', often implying 'without much delay'. Slightly old-fashioned or literary.
じきに夜が明ける。
Before long, dawn will break.
Used in storytelling or written descriptions to move time forward smoothly.
The standard narrative 'before long'. Creates a sense of natural progression in stories.
やがて彼は王になった。
Before long, he became king.
Literary expression meaning 'before long' or 'soon after'. Often used in historical or formal narratives.
Means 'shortly after that'. Used to link events in a sequence.
彼は出発した。それから間もなく雨が降り出した。
He departed. Before long, it started to rain.
Both mean 'soon', but もうすぐ is everyday speech, while 間もなく is formal and often used in public announcements or written notices. In casual conversation, もうすぐ is preferred.
もうすぐ来るよ。
He'll be here soon. (casual)
間もなく電車が到着します。
The train will arrive shortly. (formal announcement)
そのうち is casual and vague ('one of these days'), while いずれ is more certain and can be used in both casual and formal contexts ('sooner or later'). いずれ often implies inevitability.
そのうち遊びに来てね。
Come visit sometime soon. (vague)
いずれ真実が明らかになる。
The truth will come out before long. (certain)
The day will come when you understand, before long.
いずれまたお会いしましょう。
Let's meet again before long.
I'll get in touch again before long.
ほどなくして、知らせが届いた。
Before long, the news arrived.