Translation guide
Expresses that something will happen soon, within a relatively short time. Japanese uses several time expressions and adverbs depending on the nuance of 'soon' or 'before long'.
The most common, neutral way to say something will happen in the near future.
The most common and versatile way to say 'soon' or 'before long'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
もうすぐ春ですね。
Spring will be here before very long.
もうすぐバスが来ます。
The bus will come soon.
Slightly more formal than もうすぐ. Often used in announcements or written contexts.
間もなく電車が参ります。
The train will be arriving shortly.
Means 'soon' or 'before long', often implying a natural progression. Slightly casual.
じきに雨がやむでしょう。
It will stop raining before very long.
Emphasizes that something will happen after some time, but not immediately.
Means 'before long' or 'eventually', often used for natural outcomes or changes over time.
やがて日が暮れるだろう。
It will get dark before very long.
彼もやがて分かるさ。
He'll understand before very long.
Means 'sooner or later' or 'eventually'. Often used when the exact timing is uncertain but inevitable.
Casual expression meaning 'before long' or 'one of these days'. Implies no rush.
そのうちまた会おう。
Let's meet again before very long.
Used in storytelling or descriptions of sequential events to indicate something happened soon after.
Literary or formal expression meaning 'before long' or 'shortly after'. Common in written narratives.
ほどなくして彼は戻ってきた。
Before very long, he came back.
Both mean 'soon', but もうすぐ is everyday speech, while 間もなく is more formal and often used in public announcements or writing.
もうすぐ着くよ。
We'll arrive soon. (casual)
間もなく到着いたします。
We will be arriving shortly. (formal)
やがて often implies a natural, inevitable change over time, not just a short wait. It's good for describing things like seasons, growing up, or understanding something eventually.
The day will come when you'll know, before very long.