Translation guide
The English phrase 'by and by' means 'after a while' or 'eventually'. It is somewhat old-fashioned or literary. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on the context: whether you mean 'soon', 'eventually', or 'gradually'. The most common equivalent is やがて, but other options like そのうち or いずれ are also used.
To say that something will happen in the near future, without specifying exactly when.
A common adverb meaning 'before long' or 'soon'. It can also mean 'eventually' depending on context. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
やがて雨がやむでしょう。
By and by the rain will stop.
Literally 'in that time', used to mean 'before long' or 'one of these days'. Very common in casual conversation.
そのうち彼も来るよ。
By and by he'll come too.
Means 'soon' or 'shortly'. More formal than やがて, often used in announcements or written notices.
まもなく電車が到着します。
The train will arrive by and by.
To express that something will happen at some point in the future, often after a long time or after other events.
Means 'eventually' or 'sooner or later'. Implies that the outcome is certain, though the timing is unknown. Common in both speech and writing.
いずれ真実が明らかになるだろう。
By and by the truth will come out.
Also used for 'eventually', especially in narrative or literary contexts.
やがて彼は成功した。
By and by he succeeded.
Literally 'someday', emphasizing that it will happen at some indefinite future time.
To describe a slow, progressive change over time.
Means 'gradually' or 'by degrees'. Often used in written descriptions or formal speech.
次第に空が暗くなった。
By and by the sky grew dark.
A casual, common way to say 'gradually' or 'little by little'.
だんだん暖かくなってきた。
It's getting warmer by and by.
The English phrase 'by and by' is somewhat old-fashioned and poetic. In modern Japanese, there is no single fixed phrase that matches it exactly. Choose the option that best fits the intended nuance: soon, eventually, or gradually.
やがて is neutral and can mean both 'soon' and 'eventually'. そのうち is more casual and often implies 'within a relatively short time'. いずれ is more certain about the outcome but vague about timing, like 'sooner or later'.
やがて春が来る。
Spring will come by and by.
そのうち彼に会えるよ。
You'll see him by and by.
いずれ分かる。
You'll understand by and by.
I believe that by and by my dream will come true.