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.
I'll be back shortly.
The meeting will start shortly.
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.
Let's start shortly.
A slightly more formal adverb meaning 'shortly' or 'before long'. Often used in announcements, public transport, and formal situations.
The train will arrive shortly.
The performance will begin shortly.
A common casual phrase meaning 'soon' or 'in a moment'. Slightly more conversational than すぐ.
We'll arrive shortly.
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.
Let's meet again shortly.
Same as まもなく but written with kanji. More formal and often seen in written announcements.
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.
He answered shortly.
Means 'bluntly' or 'curtly', often implying a rough or unfriendly tone.
She said 'no' shortly.
Means 'briefly' or 'concisely'. Can be used when someone explains something shortly, without unnecessary detail. Not necessarily rude.
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.
I'll go right away.
The train will arrive shortly.
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.