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.
Literally 'within the near (time)'. Implies 'sometime soon' but less immediate than もうすぐ. Often used for plans or intentions.
Let's meet again 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.
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.
It won't be long before the sun sets.
Used in storytelling or written descriptions to move time forward smoothly.
The standard narrative 'before long'. Creates a sense of natural progression in stories.
間もなく電車が参ります。
The train will arrive before long.
The performance will begin 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.
The rain will stop before long.
He will come before long.
Means 'sooner or later' or 'eventually'. Often used when the exact timing is unknown but the outcome is certain.
The day will come when you understand, before long.
Let's meet again before long.
Very casual and common in conversation. Means 'before long' or 'one of these days', often with a vague, non-committal nuance.
You'll get used to it before long.
I'll get in touch again before long.
Formal version of the above pattern. Used in announcements and writing.
We will depart before long.
Means 'soon' or 'directly', often implying 'without much delay'. Slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Before long, dawn will break.
Before long, he became king.
Literary expression meaning 'before long' or 'soon after'. Often used in historical or formal narratives.
Before long, the news arrived.
Means 'shortly after that'. Used to link events in a sequence.
He departed. Before long, it started to rain.
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.
Come visit sometime soon. (vague)
The truth will come out before long. (certain)