1.
before long, eventually, sooner or later
At some unspecified point in the near future; in due time.
そのうち連絡します。
I'll contact you eventually.
そのうち means 'eventually/before long' but with a vague, unspecified timeline. It suggests something will happen naturally in due course.
Usage
When used casually (like そのうち連絡するよ), it can sound non-committal or evasive, implying 'someday, maybe' rather than a firm promise.
Similar words
- 近いうちに: soon, in the near future (more definite)
- やがて: before long, eventually (more literary)
- いずれ: someday, eventually (can be more distant future)
- もうすぐ: very soon, almost (more immediate)
The nuance is that そのうち doesn't specify when—it will happen when it happens.
Related Words
Related:
やがて (before long)
Compare:
近いうちに (soon, in the near future)
Compare:
いずれ (someday, eventually)
Compare:
もうすぐ (very soon, almost)
Compare:
間もなく (soon, shortly)
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早晩 (sooner or later)
Compare:
近日中 (in the near future)