Translation guide
The English word 'shortly' is used to mean 'soon' or 'in a short time', and also 'in a brief manner' or 'curtly'. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners: expressing that something will happen soon.
すぐ戻ります。
I'll be back shortly.
まもなく会議が始まります。
The meeting will start shortly.
Expressing that something will happen in the near future, often within minutes or hours.
A very common and versatile adverb meaning 'soon', 'right away', or 'immediately'. Can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
I'll be back shortly.
すぐに始めましょう。
Let's start shortly.
A slightly more formal adverb meaning 'shortly' or 'before long'. Often used in announcements, public transport, and formal situations.
まもなく電車が参ります。
The train will arrive shortly.
まもなく開演いたします。
The performance will begin shortly.
A common casual phrase meaning 'soon' or 'in a moment'. Slightly more conversational than すぐ.
もうすぐ着くよ。
We'll arrive shortly.
もうすぐ雨がやむでしょう。
It will stop raining shortly.
Means 'in the near future' or 'shortly', but implies a slightly longer timeframe than すぐ. Often used for plans or promises.
近いうちにまた会いましょう。
Let's meet again shortly.
Same as まもなく but written with kanji. More formal and often seen in written announcements.
間もなく閉店いたします。
We will be closing shortly.
Describing the manner of speaking or writing as short, abrupt, or terse.
Adverb meaning 'curtly', 'brusquely', or 'shortly'. Used when someone replies in an unfriendly, brief way.
彼はそっけなく答えた。
He answered shortly.
Means 'bluntly' or 'curtly', often implying a rough or unfriendly tone.
彼女はぶっきらぼうに「いいえ」と言った。
She said 'no' shortly.
Means 'briefly' or 'concisely'. Can be used when someone explains something shortly, without unnecessary detail. Not necessarily rude.
手短に説明してください。
Please explain shortly.
すぐ is the most common and can mean 'immediately' or 'very soon'. まもなく is more formal and often used in announcements. もうすぐ is casual and implies a slightly longer wait than すぐ, but still soon.
すぐ行きます。
I'll go right away.
まもなく電車が来ます。
The train will arrive shortly.
もうすぐ夏休みだね。
Summer vacation is coming up soon, huh?
The word 短く (みじかく) means 'short' in length or duration, but it is not used to mean 'soon'. Saying 短く戻ります would be unnatural. Use すぐ or まもなく instead.