Entry
そろそろ
sorosoro
Sorosoro indicates that a specific time or event is approaching soon, or describes moving slowly and carefully.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word shows that the time for something to happen is getting closer, or a state will soon change. Originally, it described slow, quiet, and careful physical movement. In daily conversation, it is very commonly used as a polite, soft prompt to transition to the next action, such as suggesting it is time to leave or start working, without sounding abrupt.
- Approaching time (soon)
- Slow and quiet movement
Sense Map
Approaching time
Indicates that the time to do something or for an event to happen is drawing near.
そろそろ出かけます。
Slow movement
Describes moving slowly, carefully, and quietly to avoid making noise.
そろそろと歩く。
Usage Note
How to Use
そろそろ + verb
Used before a verb to indicate that the action will or should happen soon.
そろそろ + time/event + だ
States that the time for the scheduled event is almost here.
そろそろと + verb
Uses the particle to (と) to describe physical actions performed slowly and stealthily.
How to Use
Common Phrases
そろそろ行く
to leave soon
そろそろ時間だ
it is about time
そろそろ帰る
to go home soon
そろそろと歩く
to walk slowly and quietly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving a gathering | polite | A standard and very considerate way to hint that you need to leave without offending the host. |
| Moving stealthily | neutral | Emphasizes moving carefully to avoid making noise or causing a disturbance. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼちぼち ぼちぼち / similar | Used when suggesting to start or finish something gradually and comfortably. | Focuses more on a relaxed, step-by-step pace and often has a casual, Kansai dialect flavor. | ぼちぼち帰ろう。 |
そろり そろり / similar | Used strictly for slow, cautious, and quiet physical movement. | Cannot be used to express that time is approaching; it only describes physical action. | そろりと動く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using sorosoro for unexpected, immediate events.
It implies a gradual approach or anticipation, not a sudden or instant occurrence.
Using it as an adjective to describe a slow object, like a slow car.
It is an adverb modifying verbs or describing timing, not a direct adjective for nouns.
Examples
Examples
そろそろ帰りましょうか。
そろそろかえりましょうか。
Shall we head home soon?
LiteralStandard polite phrase to suggest leaving.
そろそろ時間ですね。
そろそろじかんですね。
It is about time, isn't it.
LiteralUsed to gently remind someone of the time.
晩ご飯の準備がそろそろ終わります。
ばんごはんのじゅんびがそろそろおわります。
Dinner preparation will be finished soon.
LiteralIndicates that the final state will soon be reached.
子供が寝ているので、そろそろと部屋を出た。
こどもがねているので、そろそろとへやをでた。
Since the child is sleeping, I left the room quietly and slowly.
VisualDescribes quiet and slow physical movement.
そろそろ秋になりますね。
そろそろあきになりますね。
Autumn will be here soon, won't it.
LiteralShows anticipation of a gradual seasonal change.
Similar Words
ぼちぼち
bochibochi
Slowly but steadily, or soon at a leisurely pace. Similar when suggesting to start doing something slowly, but often more casual.
そろり
sorori
そろり (sorori) describes an action done very slowly, carefully, and without making a sound. Shares only the meaning of slow, quiet physical movement.
ジワジワ
jiwajiwa
Something slowly but steadily seeping in, spreading, or approaching.
Questions
Is sorosoro polite to use with superiors?
Yes, it is perfectly fine when combined with polite language, but be careful not to use it to rush a superior.
Can I use it for the weather?
Yes, it is often used for seasonal changes, like saying it will soon become cold.
What is the difference between sorosoro and mousugu?
Mousugu objectively means 'soon', while sorosoro carries the speaker's subjective feeling that the time is ripe for an action.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1345605
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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