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そろそろ

A2 adverb #1,000 よく出る 13分で読める

そろそろ

sorosoro 上位1,000

練習する例文メモとヒント そろそろ 30秒で

解説 そろそろ in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, learners should primarily focus on memorizing 'そろそろ' as an essential, fixed vocabulary word used within specific, highly practical set phrases. The most important phrase to master at this stage is 'そろそろ失礼します' (sorosoro shitsurei shimasu), which translates to 'I must be going soon' or 'Please excuse me, it is about time I leave.' For a beginner navigating basic social interactions in Japan, knowing how to exit a conversation, a host family's house, or a polite gathering without causing offense is crucial. Japanese culture places a high value on indirectness, and abruptly saying '帰ります' (I am going home) can sound blunt or rude. By attaching 'そろそろ' to the beginning of your departure phrase, you instantly soften the statement, signaling to the listener that you are considerately preparing to leave. Beginners do not need to worry about the complex nuances of gradual change or subjective time perception at this stage. Instead, they should treat 'そろそろ' as a magical politeness marker that acts as a buffer for transitions. Another useful phrase for A1 learners is 'そろそろ時間です' (sorosoro jikan desu), meaning 'It is almost time.' This can be used when looking at a watch and realizing a class or a train departure is approaching. Practicing these two phrases will give beginners a significant boost in conversational confidence and cultural appropriateness.

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At the A2 elementary level, learners begin to expand their usage of 'そろそろ' beyond fixed greetings and start integrating it into basic grammatical structures to suggest actions and observe simple changes. The core grammar point to master here is combining 'そろそろ' with the volitional form of verbs (the '-mashou' form). Phrases like 'そろそろ行きましょうか' (Shall we go soon?) or 'そろそろ食べましょう' (Let's eat soon) become incredibly useful tools for daily communication. At this level, learners are often interacting with friends or classmates and need a polite, collaborative way to propose moving from one activity to another. 'そろそろ' provides exactly that, allowing the speaker to suggest a transition without sounding bossy or demanding. Furthermore, A2 learners can start using 'そろそろ' to describe simple, observable changes in their environment, particularly regarding the weather or seasons. Pairing the word with the verb 'なる' (to become) is highly effective. For example, 'そろそろ寒くなります' (It will gradually become cold soon) or 'そろそろ春ですね' (It is almost spring, isn't it?). This usage introduces the concept of gradual temporal shifts. By mastering these patterns, A2 learners transition from simply using 'そろそろ' as an escape phrase to actively employing it to manage shared time and make cooperative suggestions in everyday social scenarios.

At the B1 intermediate level, the understanding of 'そろそろ' deepens significantly, moving into the realm of pragmatics and social nuance. Learners at this stage must grasp that 'そろそろ' is not just a word for 'soon,' but a critical tool for 'reading the air' (空気を読む - kuuki wo yomu). In Japanese communication, explicitly stating negative or transitionary desires is often avoided. B1 learners should practice using 'そろそろ' as a standalone hint. For instance, looking at a clock during a long meeting and simply saying 'あ、そろそろ……' (Ah, it's about time...) while trailing off is a highly native-like way to prompt others to wrap things up without having to issue a direct command. Additionally, B1 learners must learn to differentiate 'そろそろ' from its synonyms, particularly 'もうすぐ' (mousugu). They need to understand that 'もうすぐ' is objective (e.g., the train is physically arriving in one minute), while 'そろそろ' is subjective and anticipatory (e.g., I feel it is time we should start heading to the station). Learners will also start encountering 'そろそろ' modifying nouns and adjectives to express reaching a threshold, such as 'そろそろ限界だ' (I am approaching my limit). Mastering these intermediate nuances allows learners to navigate complex social interactions with tact, empathy, and a much higher degree of cultural fluency.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to wield 'そろそろ' with precision across a wide variety of contexts, including professional environments and nuanced emotional expressions. At this stage, the distinction between 'そろそろ' and words denoting gradual change like 'だんだん' (dandan) and '徐々に' (jojoni) must be crystal clear. B2 learners understand that while 'だんだん' describes a continuous scale of change, 'そろそろ' emphasizes the approach toward a specific, anticipated state or deadline. In business Japanese, B2 learners should know how to appropriately use 'そろそろ' to manage meetings and projects politely. Phrases like 'そろそろ結論を出しましょう' (Let us gradually move toward a conclusion) demonstrate advanced communicative competence by balancing leadership with politeness. Furthermore, learners at this level will encounter 'そろそろ' in written texts, such as novels and essays, where it is used to build narrative tension or describe the slow onset of a psychological state. They should be comfortable using it with complex verb structures, such as the te-iru form to describe an ongoing state of anticipation: 'そろそろ来てもいい頃だ' (It is about time they should be arriving). B2 mastery means the word is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, used instinctively to manage social harmony and express sophisticated temporal relationships without hesitation.

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At the C1 advanced level, the usage of 'そろそろ' becomes entirely intuitive, and learners can manipulate its subtle pragmatic functions to achieve specific communicative goals in highly complex social and professional situations. C1 learners understand the deep cultural psychology behind the word: the Japanese preference for consensus and the avoidance of unilateral decision-making. They use 'そろそろ' to gently guide group consensus, making their own desires appear as collective realizations. For example, in a tense negotiation, a C1 speaker might use 'そろそろ歩み寄りの時期かと存じます' (I believe it is gradually becoming the time for compromise) to soften a strategic pivot. Furthermore, C1 learners are adept at using the phonetic qualities of the word—elongating the vowels ('そーろそーろ') to express reluctance, deep contemplation, or extreme caution. They also understand its historical and idiomatic usages, such as 'そろそろ本気を出す' (It is about time to get serious), recognizing how the adverb modifies abstract concepts rather than just physical time. At this level, the learner's use of 'そろそろ' is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker, demonstrating a profound mastery of Japanese sociolinguistics, indirect communication strategies, and the elegant management of interpersonal boundaries.

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At the C2 mastery level, the learner possesses an encyclopedic and deeply analytical understanding of 'そろそろ', encompassing its etymology, its role in classical literature, and its intricate mimetic properties. C2 learners know that 'そろそろ' originates from the reduplication of the mimetic word 'そろり' (sorori), which historically described slow, stealthy, and deliberate physical movement, famously associated with the deliberate walking style in traditional Kyogen theater. They understand how this physical description of moving carefully so as not to disturb the environment evolved metaphorically into a temporal description of transitioning carefully so as not to disturb social harmony. C2 users can effortlessly deploy 'そろそろ' in highly formal, literary, or poetic contexts, appreciating its aesthetic value. They can critically analyze its usage in modern media, recognizing when it is used ironically or subversively. Furthermore, a C2 speaker can articulate the subtle differences in regional dialects, such as comparing the standard 'そろそろ' with the Kansai 'ぼちぼち' (bochibochi), understanding the distinct cultural flavors each imparts. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 'そろそろ' is not merely a vocabulary item, but a profound linguistic lens through which the learner comprehends and embodies the deepest philosophies of Japanese time, space, and human connection.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

そろそろ 30秒で

Used to say 'it's about time'.
Softens abrupt departures politely.
Describes gradual seasonal changes.
Originally meant moving stealthily.

The Japanese adverb 'そろそろ' (sorosoro) is an incredibly versatile, culturally significant, and highly nuanced word that bridges the gap between time, action, and social harmony in Japanese communication. At its core, it translates to 'it is about time' or 'gradually,' but its true essence lies in its remarkable ability to soften transitions and maintain interpersonal harmony. In traditional and modern Japanese culture, abruptness is often considered impolite, jarring, and disruptive to the collective atmosphere, known as 'wa' (和). When you are at a gathering, a meeting, or a party, suddenly standing up and declaring 'I am leaving now' can severely disrupt this harmony. Instead, utilizing 'そろそろ' acts as a gentle, considerate buffer, signaling to everyone present that a transition is approaching without forcing an immediate, uncomfortable break. This makes it an absolutely indispensable tool for navigating complex social situations gracefully and respectfully.

あ、そろそろ失礼します。

Beyond these vital social cues, 'そろそろ' is also extensively used to describe a gradual, observable change in state, such as the shifting of the four seasons or the slow, steady progression of a physical action or natural phenomenon. For example, when the harsh winter is finally ending and the air begins to warm up noticeably, one might poetically say that it is 'そろそろ' spring. This specific usage highlights a keen, traditional Japanese awareness of the natural world and the subtle, beautiful shifts that occur over time.

Temporal Anticipation: Used to indicate that the time for a specific action or event is rapidly approaching and preparation should begin.

Furthermore, the word can historically be used to describe moving quietly, stealthily, or slowly, though this particular physical meaning is somewhat less common in modern conversational Japanese compared to its temporal meanings. The phonetic repetition of the sound 'soro' inherently conveys a profound sense of softness, caution, and gradualness, which perfectly aligns with its underlying semantic meanings. Understanding 'そろそろ' is not just about memorizing a simple vocabulary word from a textbook; it is fundamentally about grasping a core aspect of the Japanese communication style, where anticipation, indirectness, and mutual understanding are highly valued and expected. When someone says 'そろそろですね' (It is about that time, isn't it?), they are not just stating a fact; they are warmly inviting the listener to share in the realization that a change is due, thereby making the transition a collective, harmonious decision rather than an individual, selfish imposition.

時間も遅いですし、そろそろ帰りましょうか。

This cooperative, empathetic approach to time management and social action is exactly what makes 'そろそろ' so uniquely Japanese and so essential for any serious learner aiming for true fluency.

Gradual Change: Describes a state or condition that is slowly but surely shifting, such as the weather getting colder.

The word functions as a social lubricant, ensuring that the gears of human interaction turn smoothly without grinding.

そろそろ寒くなってきましたね。

It is a word that demands the speaker to 'read the air' (空気を読む) and assess the comfort levels of those around them. By mastering this single adverb, you unlock a profound level of cultural competence that will endear you to native speakers and make your Japanese sound incredibly natural, polite, and sophisticated.

Physical Movement: Moving carefully and slowly to avoid making noise or causing a disturbance.

赤ちゃんが寝ているので、そろそろと歩く。

そろそろお腹が空きました。

Using 'そろそろ' correctly in Japanese sentences requires a solid understanding of both grammatical structure and pragmatic intent. Grammatically, as an adverb, it is incredibly flexible and can be placed in various positions within a sentence, though it most commonly appears at the beginning of a clause or directly before the verb it modifies. One of the most frequent and essential sentence patterns you will encounter is 'そろそろ + Verb (Volitional/Let's form)'. This structure is used to gently suggest an action to a group, making it a staple of polite social interaction.

そろそろ行きましょうか。

In this example, 'そろそろ行きましょうか' translates to 'Shall we get going soon?' It is far softer and more considerate than simply saying '行きましょう' (Let's go). Another highly common grammatical pattern is 'そろそろ + Noun + の時間です' (It is almost time for [Noun]). This is frequently used in professional settings, schools, or formal events to indicate that a scheduled activity is about to commence or conclude.

Suggesting Action: Combining with volitional forms (-mashou) to propose doing something together soon.

そろそろ会議の時間です。

When expressing a gradual change in state, 'そろそろ' is often paired with verbs that indicate becoming or changing, such as 'なる' (to become) or 'くる' (to come/begin to). For instance, 'そろそろ暖かくなってきました' means 'It has gradually started to become warm.' Here, the adverb emphasizes the slow, continuous nature of the seasonal transition. Furthermore, 'そろそろ' can be used with the te-form of a verb followed by 'もいいですか' (Is it okay if...?) to ask for permission to initiate a transition.

Expressing Change: Using with verbs like 'naru' (become) to show a gradual shift in environment or feeling.

そろそろ帰ってもいいですか。

This translates to 'Is it okay if I head home soon?' and is a very polite way to excuse oneself from a gathering or workplace. In informal speech among close friends or family members, the copula 'だ' (da) or 'ね' (ne) is often attached directly to the adverb, creating the phrase 'そろそろだね' (It's about that time, huh?). This concise expression relies heavily on shared context; both the speaker and the listener must know exactly what 'that time' refers to, whether it is the start of a favorite television show, the arrival of a delayed train, or the moment to start cooking dinner.

電車が来るの、そろそろだね。

Standalone Usage: Used by itself with a trailing sentence to imply a necessary action without stating it directly.

It is also crucial to note that 'そろそろ' can modify adjectives when describing a changing state. For example, 'そろそろ限界だ' (I am gradually reaching my limit) shows how the adverb softens a strong statement, making the expression of fatigue or frustration feel less sudden and more like a cumulative, understandable process.

このパソコンも、そろそろ寿命かな。

Mastering these diverse sentence patterns will significantly elevate your conversational Japanese, allowing you to express anticipation, suggest transitions, and describe gradual changes with the same nuance and politeness as a native speaker.

The adverb 'そろそろ' is ubiquitous in daily Japanese life, echoing through homes, offices, restaurants, and public spaces. Understanding the specific contexts where this word naturally occurs is vital for grasping its cultural weight and practical utility. One of the most classic and frequent environments where you will hear 'そろそろ' is at an Izakaya (Japanese pub) or a restaurant during a social gathering, such as a 'nomikai' (drinking party). As the evening progresses, the food is consumed, and the conversation begins to lull, the organizer or a senior member of the group will inevitably say, 'そろそろお開きにしましょうか' (Shall we wrap things up soon?).

終電もあるし、そろそろお開きにしましょう。

This phrase is the universally accepted signal that it is time to ask for the bill, gather belongings, and prepare to leave. It prevents the awkwardness of anyone having to abruptly declare they want to go home.

Social Gatherings: The standard way to signal the end of a party, dinner, or meeting without offending the host or guests.

In the corporate workplace, 'そろそろ' is equally indispensable. When a meeting is running long and approaching its scheduled end time, a chairperson might interject with, 'そろそろお時間ですので、結論を出しましょう' (It is almost time, so let's come to a conclusion).

そろそろ次の議題に移りましょう。

This polite urging keeps the agenda moving without sounding overly authoritative or aggressive. Similarly, at the end of the workday, colleagues might look at the clock and say to each other, 'そろそろ上がりましょうか' (Shall we finish up and go home soon?), fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared relief. At home, parents use 'そろそろ' constantly to manage their children's routines. You will frequently hear phrases like 'そろそろ寝る時間だよ' (It's almost time for bed) or 'そろそろ起きなさい' (It's about time you woke up).

Daily Routines: Used by parents and family members to prompt transitions between daily activities like sleeping, eating, and studying.

ゲームはやめて、そろそろ勉強しなさい。

In these domestic scenarios, the word acts as a gentle warning, giving the child a few moments to mentally prepare for the transition rather than demanding instant obedience, which often leads to resistance. Furthermore, 'そろそろ' is heavily featured in casual conversations about the weather, seasons, and natural phenomena. As August turns into September, people will look at the changing leaves and remark, 'そろそろ秋ですね' (It's gradually becoming autumn, isn't it?).

桜もそろそろ満開ですね。

Seasonal Observations: A common small-talk topic where people collectively acknowledge the gradual shifting of the seasons.

Finally, you will hear it in media, such as television news or variety shows, where a host might say, 'そろそろお別れの時間です' (It is almost time to say goodbye) as the broadcast nears its conclusion. In all these diverse contexts, the fundamental purpose of 'そろそろ' remains remarkably consistent: to smoothly, politely, and collaboratively manage the inevitable transitions of time and activity.

番組もそろそろ終わりの時間です。

While 'そろそろ' is an incredibly useful word, it is also a frequent source of confusion and errors for English speakers learning Japanese. The most prevalent and glaring mistake is confusing 'そろそろ' with the word 'もう' (mou), which translates to 'already.' Because 'そろそろ' can mean 'it is about time,' learners sometimes mistakenly use it to describe an action that has already been completed or a state that has already fully arrived. For example, a learner might incorrectly say 'そろそろ終わった' intending to mean 'It has already finished.' This is grammatically and semantically incorrect; the proper phrasing must be 'もう終わった' (It is already finished).

❌ そろそろ到着した。 ➔ ⭕ もう到着した。

'そろそろ' inherently implies anticipation, futurity, or an ongoing, incomplete process of gradual change; it absolutely cannot be used for definitive, completed past actions.

Past Tense Error: Never use sorosoro with past tense verbs to mean 'already'. It always points to the near future or an ongoing gradual change.

Another highly common mistake is using 'そろそろ' to describe sudden, unexpected, or instantaneous events. Because the word carries a strong nuance of gradualness and slow progression, pairing it with verbs that imply suddenness creates a jarring contradiction.

❌ そろそろ爆発する！ ➔ ⭕ 今すぐ爆発する！

You would not say 'そろそろ電気が消えた' (The electricity gradually went out) if the power was cut instantly. Instead, you would use words like '急に' (kyuu ni - suddenly) or '突然' (totsuzen - suddenly). Furthermore, learners often struggle with the distinction between 'そろそろ' and 'だんだん' (dandan). While both can translate to 'gradually,' 'だんだん' is used for objective, observable, continuous changes in degree or scale (e.g., 'だんだん大きくなる' - gradually becoming bigger). 'そろそろ', on the other hand, is more focused on the approaching threshold of a specific time or state, often with a subjective sense of anticipation.

Dandan vs Sorosoro: Use dandan for a continuous scale of change. Use sorosoro when a specific event or time limit is approaching.

❌ そろそろ日本語が上手になった。 ➔ ⭕ だんだん日本語が上手になった。

Additionally, overusing 'そろそろ' in emergency situations is a pragmatic error. Because it softens statements, using it when urgent, direct action is required can cause dangerous misunderstandings. If a fire breaks out, you do not say 'そろそろ逃げましょう' (Shall we gradually escape soon?); you yell '逃げて！' (Run!). Finally, some learners incorrectly place 'そろそろ' at the very end of a sentence as an afterthought, which sounds unnatural. While conversational Japanese is flexible, adverbs like this strongly prefer to sit before the verb phrase they modify.

❌ 帰りましょうか、そろそろ。 ➔ ⭕ そろそろ帰りましょうか。

Word Order: Always try to place the adverb before the verb or at the beginning of the clause for the most natural flow.

❌ そろそろ事故が起きた。 ➔ ⭕ 突然事故が起きた。

By carefully avoiding these common pitfalls, you will ensure that your usage of this nuanced adverb remains accurate, contextually appropriate, and natural-sounding.

To truly master 'そろそろ', it is highly beneficial to compare and contrast it with several similar adverbs and alternative expressions in the Japanese language. Understanding these subtle distinctions will significantly enrich your vocabulary and allow you to express temporal nuances with pinpoint accuracy. The most immediate synonym that learners encounter is 'もうすぐ' (mousugu), which translates directly to 'very soon' or 'shortly.' While 'もうすぐ' and 'そろそろ' can sometimes be used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference in their core nuances. 'もうすぐ' is an objective statement of time; it simply means that the time remaining until an event occurs is very short.

電車がもうすぐ来ます。

In contrast, 'そろそろ' carries a subjective, psychological element of anticipation or a feeling that a transition is due.

もうすぐ (Mousugu): Objective and factual. Focuses purely on the short amount of time remaining until an event.

Another formal alternative is 'まもなく' (mamonaku), which also means 'soon' or 'before long.' You will frequently hear 'まもなく' in official announcements, such as on train platforms or in theaters.

まもなく一番線に電車が参ります。

'まもなく' is much more formal and rigid than 'そろそろ' and lacks the cooperative, social-softening function. You would not typically use 'まもなく' to suggest leaving a casual party with friends. When discussing gradual change, 'だんだん' (dandan) and '徐々に' (jojoni) are key alternatives. As mentioned previously, 'だんだん' focuses on a continuous, observable progression along a scale, such as getting taller or becoming darker.

だんだん (Dandan): Focuses on the continuous, step-by-step progression of a change, rather than the approach of a specific threshold.

だんだん暗くなってきた。

'徐々に' is the formal, written equivalent of 'だんだん'. 'そろそろ' is used when the gradual change is leading up to a specific, anticipated state (e.g., 'そろそろ限界' - approaching the limit). In the Kansai dialect (spoken in Osaka, Kyoto, etc.), you will frequently hear the word 'ぼちぼち' (bochibochi) used in almost exactly the same way as 'そろそろ' when suggesting a transition.

ぼちぼち帰りまっか。（Kansai dialect）

ぼちぼち (Bochibochi): A casual, regional variant heavily used in the Kansai area to mean 'step by step' or 'it is about time'.

Finally, 'いよいよ' (iyoiyo) translates to 'at last' or 'finally' and is used when a long-awaited event is on the absolute verge of happening, carrying a much higher sense of excitement, tension, or finality than the gentle, cautious 'そろそろ'.

いよいよ決勝戦が始まる。

By carefully selecting among these alternatives based on formality, regionality, and exact temporal nuance, you can express yourself with the precision and elegance of a highly proficient Japanese speaker.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In traditional Japanese Kyogen theater, there is a famous, highly stylized way of walking called 'sorori sorori'. The actor slides their feet across the wooden stage with exaggerated slowness and care. This physical embodiment perfectly captures the original essence of the word before it became a word about time.

発音ガイド

UK /so.ɾo.so.ɾo/

US /so.ɾo.so.ɾo/

Heiban (flat) pitch accent in standard Japanese: so-RO-SO-RO. The pitch rises slightly on the second syllable and stays flat.

韻が合う語

ぼちぼち (bochibochi) ごろごろ (gorogoro) のろのろ (noronoro) ぞろぞろ (zorozoro) とろとろ (torotoro) ぽろぽろ (poroporo) ぼろぼろ (boroboro) ころころ (korokoro)

よくある間違い

Elongating the 'o' sounds into 'soh-roh-soh-roh', which sounds like a heavy sigh or extreme reluctance.
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (like 'row'). It must be a light tap against the alveolar ridge.
Putting heavy stress on the first syllable like 'SO-ro-so-ro'. Japanese is pitch-accented, not stress-accented.
Blending the syllables together. Each 'so' and 'ro' must have equal timing (one mora each).
Pronouncing the 'o' as a diphthong 'ou' (like in 'go'). It should be a pure, short 'o'.

難易度

読解 2/5

Usually written in hiragana, making it very easy to read. Rarely written in kanji (徐徐).

ライティング 2/5

Simple hiragana characters. No complex kanji required.

スピーキング 4/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires high cultural awareness to use at the correct timing and in the correct social context.

リスニング 3/5

Often spoken quickly or mumbled at the end of gatherings. Listen for the repeated 'so-ro' sound.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

時間 (jikan - time) 帰る (kaeru - to go home) 行く (iku - to go) 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu - excuse me) ましょう (mashou - let's)

次に学ぶ

もうすぐ (mousugu - very soon) だんだん (dandan - gradually) お開き (ohiraki - wrapping up a party) 限界 (genkai - limit) 準備 (junbi - preparation)

上級

徐々に (jojoni - gradually) 頃合い (koroai - suitable time) 潮時 (shiodoki - right time to quit) お暇する (oitoma suru - to take one's leave) 機が熟す (ki ga jukusu - the time is ripe)

知っておくべき文法

Volitional Form (ましょう / よう)

そろそろ帰りましょう。(Let's go home soon.)

Te-form + もいいですか (Asking Permission)

そろそろ帰ってもいいですか。(May I go home soon?)

Adjective + なります (Becoming)

そろそろ寒くなります。(It will become cold soon.)

Verb Dictionary Form + 時間です

そろそろ寝る時間です。(It is time to sleep soon.)

Te-iru form + はずだ (Expectation)

彼もそろそろ着いているはずだ。(He should be arriving soon.)

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レベル別の例文

そろそろ帰ります。

I will go home soon.

そろそろ + polite verb (masu form).

そろそろ失礼します。

I must be going soon (polite).

Set phrase for politely excusing oneself.

そろそろ時間です。

It is almost time.

そろそろ + Noun + です.

そろそろ寝ます。

I will go to sleep soon.

Used to announce a daily routine transition.

そろそろ行きます。

I will go soon.

Basic future action indication.

そろそろ食べます。

I will eat soon.

Indicates an action is about to start.

そろそろ終わります。

It will finish soon.

Used with verbs of completion.

そろそろですね。

It's about time, isn't it?

Conversational agreement phrase.

そろそろ行きましょうか。

Shall we get going soon?

そろそろ + Volitional form (ましょうか) for suggestions.

そろそろ帰りましょう。

Let's go home soon.

Polite suggestion to a group.

そろそろ寒くなります。

It will gradually get cold soon.

そろそろ + Adjective + なります (to become).

そろそろ春ですね。

It's almost spring, isn't it?

Used for seasonal observations.

そろそろ始めましょうか。

Shall we start soon?

Prompting the beginning of an event.

そろそろ起きる時間だよ。

It's about time to wake up.

そろそろ + Verb (dictionary form) + 時間.

そろそろ電車が来ます。

The train will come soon.

Anticipating a scheduled event.

そろそろお腹が空きました。

I'm gradually getting hungry.

Expressing a changing physical state.

そろそろお開きにしましょうか。

Shall we wrap up the party soon?

Idiomatic phrase 'お開きにする' (to end a gathering).

そろそろ帰ってもいいですか。

Is it okay if I go home soon?

そろそろ + Te-form + もいいですか (Asking permission).

そろそろ限界かもしれない。

I might be reaching my limit soon.

Modifying a noun indicating a threshold (限界 - limit).

そろそろ新しいパソコンを買おうかな。

Maybe it's about time I buy a new computer.

そろそろ + Volitional form + かな (Expressing a personal intention/thought).

あ、そろそろ……。

Ah, it's about time... (trailing off).

Standalone usage relying on context (空気を読む).

そろそろ暖かくなってきましたね。

It has gradually started to become warm, hasn't it?

そろそろ + Te-form + きました (Change continuing up to the present).

そろそろ準備を始めないと間に合わない。

If we don't start preparing soon, we won't make it in time.

Used with negative conditional (ないと) to show urgency.

そろそろ寿命ですね、この靴。

These shoes are about at the end of their life.

Metaphorical usage with '寿命' (lifespan).

そろそろ結論を出さないと、会議が長引いてしまいます。

If we don't reach a conclusion soon, the meeting will drag on.

Used in professional contexts to prompt decision-making.

そろそろ親元を離れて自立する時期だ。

It is about time to leave my parents' house and become independent.

そろそろ + Verb + 時期だ (It is the period/time to...).

そろそろ本気を出さないと、試験に落ちるよ。

If you don't get serious soon, you'll fail the exam.

Idiom: 本気を出す (to get serious/show one's true effort).

そろそろ潮時かもしれないな。

It might be about time to call it quits.

Idiom: 潮時 (shiodoki - the right time to quit or act).

彼もそろそろ到着しているはずだ。

He should be arriving right about now.

そろそろ + Te-iru form + はずだ (Expressing strong expectation).

そろそろ紅葉が見頃を迎える季節です。

It is the season when the autumn leaves will soon be at their best.

Advanced seasonal description using '見頃' (best time to see).

そろそろお暇（いとま）させていただきます。

I will take my leave now (very polite).

Highly formal/traditional vocabulary 'お暇' (oitoma).

だんだん暗くなってきたから、そろそろ帰ろう。

It's gradually getting dark, so let's head home soon.

Contrasting 'だんだん' (continuous change) with 'そろそろ' (action threshold).

そろそろ歩み寄りの姿勢を見せてもよい頃合いかと存じます。

I believe it is about time we show a willingness to compromise.

Highly formal business Japanese using '頃合い' (suitable time) and '存じます'.

そろそろ年貢の納め時だな。

It's about time to face the music / pay the piper.

Classic idiom '年貢の納め時' (time to pay the land tax - meaning time to give up).

そろそろお声がかかるのではないかと期待しておりました。

I was anticipating that I might be called upon right about now.

Keigo (honorifics) combined with expectation.

そろそろ化けの皮が剥がれる頃だろう。

It's about time their true colors are revealed.

Idiom '化けの皮が剥がれる' (a monster's disguise peeling off).

そろそろ腰を据えて取り組むべき課題だ。

This is an issue we should settle down and tackle seriously soon.

Idiom '腰を据える' (to settle down and focus).

そろそろお迎えが来る年齢になりましたよ。

I've reached the age where my time to pass away is approaching.

Euphemism 'お迎えが来る' (the grim reaper/buddha coming to pick one up).

そろそろほとぼりが冷めた頃を見計らって連絡しよう。

Let's wait for the right time and contact them when things have cooled down.

Idiom 'ほとぼりが冷める' (excitement/anger cooling down).

そろそろと足音を忍ばせて近づいた。

They approached slowly and stealthily, muffling their footsteps.

Classical/literary usage indicating slow, quiet physical movement.

狂言の舞台では、役者がそろりそろりと歩を進める。

On the Kyogen stage, the actor advances slowly and deliberately.

Etymological root 'そろりそろり' used in traditional arts.

そろそろと事態が好転の兆しを見せ始めている。

The situation is gradually beginning to show signs of improvement.

Abstract, formal written style indicating a very slow, subtle shift.

彼奴もそろそろ観念する頃合いであろう。

It is likely about time that scoundrel resigns himself to his fate.

Archaic/literary tone using '彼奴' (aitsu) and '観念する' (to resign oneself).

そろそろと薄紙を剥ぐように病状が回復していった。

The illness recovered gradually, like peeling off thin layers of paper.

Poetic simile '薄紙を剥ぐように' combined with sorosoro.

そろそろお暇乞いをせねばなるまい。

I suppose I must bid my farewells soon.

Highly classical expression 'お暇乞い' (asking for leave).

春の気配がそろそろと忍び寄ってくるのを感じる。

I feel the presence of spring creeping up slowly and stealthily.

Personification of seasons using the physical movement nuance of sorosoro.

そろそろ機が熟したと見て、彼はついに決断を下した。

Judging that the time was finally ripe, he made his decision.

Idiom '機が熟す' (the opportunity is ripe).

そろそろと筆を進め、ついに大作を完成させた。

Advancing his brush slowly and steadily, he finally completed the masterpiece.

Describing a deliberate, painstaking creative process.

よく使う組み合わせ

そろそろ時間

そろそろ帰る

そろそろ失礼する

そろそろ寝る

そろそろ限界

そろそろお開き

そろそろ始まる

そろそろ終わる

そろそろ出発する

そろそろ本気

よく使うフレーズ

そろそろですね。

— It's about that time, isn't it? Used to mutually agree that a transition or event is approaching.

「そろそろですね」「そうですね、行きましょうか」

そろそろ行きましょうか。

— Shall we get going soon? A polite way to suggest leaving a place or starting a journey.

時間になりましたし、そろそろ行きましょうか。

そろそろ失礼します。

— I must be going soon. The standard polite phrase to excuse oneself from a gathering or someone's home.

夜も遅くなりましたので、そろそろ失礼します。

そろそろお開きにしましょう。

— Let's wrap things up soon. Used by an organizer to signal the end of a party or meeting.

終電も近いですし、そろそろお開きにしましょう。

そろそろ時間です。

— It is almost time. Used to indicate that a scheduled event is about to start or end.

皆様、そろそろお時間です。席にお戻りください。

そろそろ限界だ。

— I'm reaching my limit soon. Used to express that one's patience, energy, or capacity is almost exhausted.

徹夜続きで、体力がそろそろ限界だ。

そろそろ寿命かな。

— It might be at the end of its lifespan. Used when an appliance or item is old and starting to break down.

この冷蔵庫も、そろそろ寿命かな。変な音がする。

そろそろ本気を出す。

— It's about time to get serious. Used when someone decides to stop holding back and put in full effort.

試験まであと一ヶ月。そろそろ本気を出さないと。

そろそろ潮時だ。

— It's about time to call it quits. An idiom used when it is the right time to retire, give up, or end an endeavor.

怪我も治らないし、そろそろ潮時かもしれない。

そろそろいい頃合いだ。

— It is just about the right time. Used when the perfect moment for an action has gradually arrived.

スープが煮えて、そろそろいい頃合いだ。

よく混同される語

そろそろ vs もう (mou)

'Mou' means 'already' (past completion). 'Sorosoro' means 'soon' or 'about time' (future anticipation). Do not use sorosoro for things that have already finished.

そろそろ vs だんだん (dandan)

'Dandan' means 'gradually' in a continuous, objective sense (e.g., getting taller). 'Sorosoro' implies reaching a specific threshold or time limit.

そろそろ vs まもなく (mamonaku)

'Mamonaku' means 'shortly' but is highly formal and objective, used for train announcements. 'Sorosoro' is subjective and used for interpersonal communication.

慣用句と表現

"そろそろお開き"

— Time to end a gathering. 'Ohiraki' means opening, but ironically means closing a party to avoid negative words.

そろそろお開きにしましょうか。

neutral

"そろそろ潮時"

— The right time to quit or take action. 'Shiodoki' originally refers to the timing of the ocean tides.

この仕事もそろそろ潮時だな。

neutral

"そろそろ年貢の納め時"

— Time to face the consequences or get married. Literally 'time to pay the land tax'.

長く逃げていたが、そろそろ年貢の納め時だ。

informal

"そろそろ本腰を入れる"

— Time to put serious effort into something. 'Hon-goshi' means putting one's weight/hips into a task.

試験に向けて、そろそろ本腰を入れよう。

neutral

"そろそろお暇する"

— To politely take one's leave. 'Oitoma' is a highly formal word for leaving or quitting.

すっかり長居してしまいました。そろそろお暇いたします。

formal

"そろそろお迎えが来る"

— Time to pass away soon. A euphemism used by the elderly meaning the afterlife is coming to pick them up.

私もそろそろお迎えが来る歳になりました。

informal

"そろそろ化けの皮が剥がれる"

— Time for one's true colors/lies to be exposed. 'Bake no kawa' means a monster's disguise.

あいつの嘘も、そろそろ化けの皮が剥がれるだろう。

informal

"そろそろほとぼりが冷める"

— Time for excitement or anger to die down. 'Hotobori' refers to lingering heat or passion.

そろそろほとぼりが冷めた頃だから、謝りに行こう。

neutral

"そろそろ機が熟す"

— The time is ripe. 'Ki ga jukusu' means the opportunity has matured like fruit.

そろそろ機が熟した。計画を実行に移そう。

formal

"そろそろお声がかかる"

— Time to be called upon or invited. Often used when waiting for a job offer or a turn to perform.

そろそろ社長からお声がかかる頃だ。

formal

間違えやすい

そろそろ vs もうすぐ

Both translate to 'soon'.

'Mousugu' is objective and focuses purely on the short time remaining. 'Sorosoro' is subjective, focusing on the feeling that it is 'about time' to do something or transition.

もうすぐ電車が来る (Objective). そろそろ帰りましょう (Subjective suggestion).

そろそろ vs だんだん

Both can translate to 'gradually'.

'Dandan' is for a continuous scale of change (getting darker, bigger). 'Sorosoro' is for approaching a specific state or deadline (almost spring, almost at the limit).

だんだん暗くなる (Getting darker). そろそろ秋だ (Almost autumn).

そろそろ vs やっと

Learners confuse anticipation with completion.

'Yatto' means 'finally' after a long wait or struggle (past tense). 'Sorosoro' means 'it is about time' (future tense).

やっと終わった (Finally finished). そろそろ終わる (Will finish soon).

そろそろ vs 急に

Opposite meanings confused by beginners.

'Kyuu ni' means suddenly. 'Sorosoro' means gradually or anticipating a smooth transition. They are antonyms.

急に雨が降った (Suddenly rained). そろそろ雨が降るかな (I wonder if it will rain soon).

そろそろ vs ぼちぼち

Regional variation.

'Bochibochi' is the Kansai dialect equivalent of 'sorosoro'. They mean the same thing, but 'bochibochi' is casual and regional.

そろそろ行こう (Standard). ぼちぼち行こか (Kansai).

文型パターン

そろそろ + [Polite Verb]

そろそろ帰ります。

そろそろ + [Volitional Form]

そろそろ行きましょうか。

そろそろ + [Noun] + です

そろそろ時間です。

そろそろ + [Te-form] + もいいですか

そろそろ帰ってもいいですか。

そろそろ + [Adjective] + なってきました

そろそろ寒くなってきました。

そろそろ + [Verb Dictionary Form] + 頃だ

そろそろ彼が来る頃だ。

そろそろ + [Noun] + の潮時だ

そろそろ引退の潮時だ。

そろそろと + [Action Verb]

そろそろと足音を忍ばせた。

語族

使い方

frequency

Extremely High. It is a daily-use word in Japan.

よくある間違い

そろそろ終わった。 → もう終わった。
'Sorosoro' cannot be used for actions that are already completed. It implies anticipation of the future. Use 'mou' (already) for past completion.
突然、そろそろ雨が降った。 → 突然、雨が降った。
'Sorosoro' means gradually or anticipating a transition. It completely contradicts words like 'totsuzen' (suddenly). Do not mix them.
だんだん帰りましょう。 → そろそろ帰りましょう。
'Dandan' means gradually changing in degree. You cannot use it to suggest an action like going home. Use 'sorosoro' for suggesting transitions.
そろそろ日本語が上手になった。 → だんだん日本語が上手になった。
When describing a continuous improvement or scale of change, 'dandan' is the correct word. 'Sorosoro' is for approaching a specific threshold.
火事だ！そろそろ逃げろ！ → 火事だ！今すぐ逃げろ！
'Sorosoro' softens a statement and implies a slow transition. Never use it in a true emergency where immediate action is required.

ヒント

The Exit Strategy

Always use 'sorosoro shitsurei shimasu' when leaving a Japanese home or party. It is the ultimate polite exit strategy that preserves social harmony.

Pair with Volitional

The most natural grammar pairing is 'sorosoro' + 'mashou ka' (Shall we...). It turns a command into a gentle, collaborative suggestion.

No Past Tense

Never use 'sorosoro' with past tense verbs to mean 'already'. Use 'mou' instead. Sorosoro is strictly for the future or ongoing present.

Reading the Air

If a Japanese person says 'sorosoro desu ne' to you, do not ignore it. They are politely asking to end the current activity. Agree with them.

Idiom Mastery

Learn the phrase 'sorosoro ohiraki ni shimashou'. It is the perfect, native-sounding way to wrap up a drinking party or dinner.

Flat Pitch

Keep your pitch flat when saying sorosoro. Don't put heavy English-style stress on the first syllable, or it will sound unnatural.

Business Meetings

Use 'sorosoro ojikan desu' to politely interrupt a meeting that is running over time. It blames the clock, not the speaker.

Small Talk

Use 'sorosoro' + weather/season (e.g., sorosoro haru desu ne) for perfect, natural-sounding small talk with neighbors or colleagues.

Kansai Dialect

If you visit Osaka or Kyoto, try using 'bochibochi' instead of 'sorosoro'. The locals will love it and find you very friendly.

Trailing Off

For ultimate native fluency, practice saying 'sorosoro...' and letting the sentence trail off into silence, letting context do the talking.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine you are at a boring party, and you feel SORROW (soro) SORROW (soro). Because you feel sorrow sorrow, you decide 'it's about time' to leave gradually.

視覚的連想

Visualize a person looking at their watch, seeing the time tick closer to midnight, and slowly, quietly inching towards the exit door while waving goodbye.

Word Web

そろそろ Time (時間) Leave (帰る) Gradually (だんだん) Soon (もうすぐ) Polite (丁寧) Transition (変化) Seasons (季節)

チャレンジ

Next time you are hanging out with friends and want to go home, instead of saying 'I'm leaving', look at your watch, say 'Sorosoro...', and see if they understand the hint to wrap things up.

語源

The word 'そろそろ' originates from the classical Japanese mimetic (onomatopoeic) word 'そろり' (sorori). 'Sorori' was used to describe a physical movement that is extremely slow, quiet, and stealthy, often to avoid making noise or disturbing others. To emphasize the continuous nature of this slow movement, the root 'soro' was reduplicated to form 'sorosoro'. Over centuries, this physical description of moving carefully and gradually evolved into a temporal metaphor. Moving slowly became synonymous with time passing slowly toward a specific point, eventually leading to the modern meaning of 'gradually' or 'it is about time'.

元の意味： Moving slowly, quietly, and stealthily so as not to make a sound or cause a disturbance.

Japonic -> Japanese -> Mimetic/Onomatopoeic vocabulary (Gitaigo).

文化的な背景

Do not use 'sorosoro' in true emergencies. If someone is hurt or there is a fire, using a softening word is inappropriate and dangerous. Use direct commands.

English speakers often say 'I'm gonna head out now' abruptly. In Japan, this is jarring. Using 'sorosoro' is like saying 'Look at the time, I should probably get going soon,' but it is practically mandatory for politeness.

Kyogen Theater: The 'sorori sorori' walk is a staple comedic element. Anime/Manga: Characters constantly say 'sorosoro ikou ze' (Let's get going soon) before a battle or journey. Music: Many J-Pop songs use 'sorosoro' in lyrics to describe the changing of seasons or the end of a romance.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Leaving a party or Izakaya

そろそろお開きにしましょうか。
そろそろ終電の時間です。
そろそろ失礼します。
そろそろ帰りましょう。

Managing a meeting

そろそろお時間です。
そろそろ結論を出しましょう。
そろそろ次の議題へ。
そろそろまとめに入ります。

Daily home routines

そろそろ寝る時間だよ。
そろそろ起きなさい。
そろそろご飯にする？
そろそろお風呂に入りなさい。

Discussing weather/seasons

そろそろ春ですね。
そろそろ寒くなってきました。
そろそろ桜が咲きますね。
そろそろ梅雨入りかな。

Expressing limits or frustration

そろそろ限界だ。
そろそろ怒るよ。
そろそろ寿命かな。
そろそろ本気を出そう。

会話のきっかけ

"そろそろ暖かくなってきましたが、週末はどこかへ出かけますか？ (It's gradually getting warm, are you going anywhere this weekend?)"

"そろそろお昼の時間ですが、一緒にランチに行きませんか？ (It's almost lunchtime, would you like to go get lunch together?)"

"今年もそろそろ終わりですね。年末の予定は決まりましたか？ (The year is almost over. Have you decided your end-of-year plans?)"

"そろそろ新しいプロジェクトが始まりますが、準備はどうですか？ (The new project is starting soon, how are the preparations?)"

"そろそろ桜が咲く季節ですね。お花見は好きですか？ (It's almost the season for cherry blossoms to bloom. Do you like cherry blossom viewing?)"

日記のテーマ

Write about a time you had to leave a party early. How would you use 'そろそろ' in that situation?

Describe the current change in seasons where you live using 'そろそろ' and adjectives.

Think of an old item you own (like a phone or shoes). Write a sentence explaining that it is 'そろそろ' at its limit.

Write a short dialogue between a boss and an employee ending a long meeting using 'そろそろ'.

Reflect on a goal you have. Write a sentence saying it is 'そろそろ' time to get serious about it.

よくある質問

10 問

While 'sorosoro' is perfectly fine in spoken business Japanese (e.g., during a meeting), it is generally considered a bit too casual for formal business emails. In writing, it is better to use phrases like 'お時間も迫っておりますので' (As time is approaching) or '時期が参りましたので' (As the time has come). Reserve 'sorosoro' for verbal communication or casual messages.

No, it is actually the most polite way to announce your departure! Saying just 'kaerimasu' (I am going home) sounds abrupt and cold. Adding 'sorosoro' softens the statement, showing that you are considerately transitioning out of the gathering. It is the standard, expected phrase.

This is a classic example of 'reading the air'. They are indirectly suggesting that it is time to leave, end the meeting, or change activities, but they want to make it a mutual decision. You should agree by saying 'Sou desu ne, ikimashou ka' (Yes, shall we go?).

No. This is a very common mistake. 'Sorosoro' implies anticipation of the near future or an ongoing gradual change. If an event has already happened, you must use 'mou' (already) or 'yatto' (finally). Never say 'sorosoro owatta' (it gradually finished already).

'Mousugu' is objective; it just means a short amount of time is left (e.g., the train arrives in 1 minute). 'Sorosoro' is subjective; it means you feel it is the right time to do something (e.g., I feel we should leave soon). Use 'sorosoro' for social suggestions.

Yes, but it gives a specific nuance. If you say 'sorosoro okoru yo' (I'm going to get angry soon), it acts as a final warning. It means your patience is gradually running out and you are approaching your limit. It is less explosive than sudden anger.

Japanese culture highly values the subtle, gradual shifting of the seasons. Using 'sorosoro' (e.g., sorosoro aki desu ne - it's almost autumn) acknowledges this slow, beautiful transition rather than treating the change of seasons as an abrupt switch.

Yes, historically. It comes from the mimetic word 'sorori', which mimics the sound or feeling of moving very slowly and stealthily. While its modern use is mostly about time, the feeling of 'slow, careful movement' is still embedded in the word.

Keep the pitch relatively flat (heiban accent) and ensure all four syllables (so-ro-so-ro) are equally short. Do not stress the first syllable like an English word. If you want to sound hesitant, you can slightly elongate the vowels: 'sooooro sooooro'.

Yes, in highly contextual situations. If you look at your watch during a long party, make eye contact with your friend, and just say 'Ah, sorosoro...', they will understand that you mean 'It's about time we leave.' The rest of the sentence is implied.

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