Translation guide
Expresses that something will definitely happen at some point in the future, though the exact time is unknown. Japanese uses several adverbial phrases and set expressions to convey this inevitability.
To say that something will happen eventually, without specifying when.
A direct equivalent, literally 'late or early'. Neutral and widely used.
Sooner or later, the truth will come out.
Means 'eventually' or 'someday'. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
Literally 'sometime', with the particle は adding a sense of 'at some point'. Emphasizes inevitability.
A more formal or literary expression meaning 'sooner or later'. Often used in writing.
いずれ implies a stronger sense of inevitability, while いつか can be more vague or hopeful. For 'sooner or later', いずれ is often closer in nuance.
Sooner or later, the rain will stop.
Sooner or later, you'll have to face the consequences.
Sooner or later, the day will come when you understand.
Sooner or later, the end will come.
早晩、問題が表面化するだろう。
Sooner or later, the problem will surface.
いつか日本に行きたい。
I want to go to Japan someday.
彼はいずれ気づくだろう。
He'll find out sooner or later.