1.
in the near future, before long, soon
Indicates that something will happen relatively soon, though the exact timing is unspecified. Suggests a period of days to weeks rather than months.
近いうちに会いましょう。
Let's meet up soon.
近いうちに引っ越す予定です。
I'm planning to move in the near future.
この問題は近いうちに解決するだろうと思っている。
I think this problem will be resolved before long.
A common everyday expression for 'soon' or 'in the near future.' It is vaguer than giving a specific date but implies a relatively short timeframe.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 近いうちにまた: again soon
- 近いうちに必ず: definitely before long
- 近いうちにお伺いします: I'll visit you soon (polite)
USAGE:
Often used in parting phrases or promises. When used casually, it can be a polite but noncommittal way of saying 'sometime soon' without fixing a date.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- もうすぐ: very soon, any minute now — implies even shorter timeframe
- そのうち: sooner or later, one of these days — more vague and noncommittal
- 間もなく: shortly, before long — slightly more formal; often used for announcements