1.
soon, before long
Indicates that something is expected to happen in the near future.
2.
it's about time (to do something)
Suggests that the time has come or is approaching to do something.
そろそろ決めないと。
It's about time to decide.
そろそろ is an adverb meaning "soon" or "it's about time"; as そろそろと it means "slowly, cautiously."
Position in sentence
- Usually at the beginning of the sentence or just before the verb.
Usage
- Very common for suggesting that it is time to do something, especially to leave: そろそろ失礼します (I should be going).
- Implies the speaker's sense that the right moment has come.
Similar words
- もうすぐ: simply states that something will happen very soon; そろそろ adds "it's about time" and often suggests action.
- まもなく: more formal and objective ("shortly"), as in station announcements.
Writing
- Usually written in hiragana.