そろそろ
そろそろ
adverb
soon; gradually; it's about time
1.
soon, before long
Indicates that something is expected to happen in the near future.
そろそろ春ですね。
Spring is coming soon, isn't it?
そろそろ夏が来る。
Summer is coming soon.
そろそろ終わる頃だ。
It should be ending soon.
そろそろ着く頃だ。
They should be arriving soon.
2.
it's about time (to do something)
Suggests that the time has come or is approaching to do something.
そろそろ行きましょう。
Let's get going soon. / It's about time we left.
Suggesting action
そろそろ電車が来る時間だ。
It's about time for the train to come.
そろそろ帰らなければなりません。
I have to go home soon.
Polite way to excuse oneself
そろそろ失礼します。
I should be going now.
Polite departure phrase
そろそろ寝る時間だ。
It's about time to go to bed.
そろそろ決めないと。
It's about time to decide.
そろそろ本気を出す時だ。
It's about time to get serious.
3.
gradually, slowly
Describes slow, gradual movement or progress.
そろそろ歩き始めた。
They gradually started walking.
そろそろと近づく。
To approach slowly.
そろそろと動いた。
It moved slowly.
猫がそろそろと歩いてきた。
The cat came walking slowly.
そろそろ is an adverb meaning 'soon' or 'it's about time.'
Position: Usually at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb.
[Register: Neutral]
Usage notes:
- Very commonly used when suggesting it's time to do something (polite way to signal departure, etc.)
- Implies awareness of time or appropriate timing
- Can suggest gentle urgency
Similar expressions:
- そろそろ vs. もうすぐ: もうすぐ simply states 'very soon'; そろそろ often implies 'it's about time' or suggests action.
- そろそろ vs. まもなく: まもなく is more formal and objective ('shortly'); そろそろ is conversational with nuance of readiness.
Common usage: Very frequently used when leaving a gathering: そろそろ失礼します (I should be going soon).
Orthography: Usually written in hiragana.