Hello, I’m Kodak.
You are visiting a Japanese friend. It is getting late, and your friend says:
そろそろ帰ろうか。
Sorosoro kaerō ka.
Shall we head home soon?
At a meeting, someone says:
そろそろ始めましょう。
Sorosoro hajimemashō.
Let’s get started soon.
Before bed, you may hear:
そろそろ寝ようかな。
Sorosoro neyō kana.
Maybe it is about time I went to bed.
The core idea is:
the appropriate time or stage for a change is gradually approaching.
Because of that image, natural English may be soon, before long, it is about time, we should probably, or let’s start thinking about…
そろそろ (sorosoro) is an adverb used when the suitable or expected time for something is approaching.
It often means:
・soon
・before long
・it is about time to…
・we should probably start…
・gradually, little by little
・slowly and quietly, in an older or less common use
In this article, you will learn:
② how to pronounce and write it
③ how to use そろそろ～しよう and そろそろ～しましょう
④ why Japanese speakers use it when leaving, starting, sleeping, or changing topics
⑤ the difference between そろそろ, もうすぐ, すぐ, もう, and ぼちぼち
⑥ polite, casual, business, and anime-style usage
⑦ natural examples and common beginner mistakes
What Does そろそろ (Sorosoro) Mean?
In modern conversation, そろそろ most often means that the time for an action or change is drawing near.
Part of speech: adverb
Main modern meaning: the appropriate or expected time is approaching
Common translations: soon / before long / it is about time / we should probably
そろそろ出かけます。
Sorosoro dekakemasu.
I will be heading out soon.
そろそろ春ですね。
Sorosoro haru desu ne.
Spring will be here before long.
そろそろ決めないと。
Sorosoro kimenai to.
I need to decide soon / It is about time I decided.
Before a train arrives, it may mean a few minutes. Before spring, it may mean several weeks. Before choosing a career, it may mean months.
The important point is that the speaker feels the right stage is approaching.
The Core Image of そろそろ: Moving Toward the Right Moment
Imagine a timeline with an action point ahead.
──────────────
The situation gradually develops
──────────────
The appropriate moment is getting close
↓
Start leaving / begin / sleep / decide / prepare
そろそろ focuses less on an exact number of minutes and more on the speaker’s judgment that waiting much longer may no longer be natural.
もう十一時だから、そろそろ寝よう。
Mō jūichi-ji dakara, sorosoro neyō.
It is already eleven, so let’s think about going to bed.
The speaker looks at the situation—time, tiredness, tomorrow’s schedule—and decides that bedtime is becoming appropriate.
Instead of saying “Leave now” or “Start now,” the speaker presents the action as a natural response to the time or situation:
“It is becoming the right time, isn’t it?”
How to Pronounce そろそろ
Romaji: sorosoro
Mora: そ・ろ・そ・ろ (4 morae)
Usual writing: hiragana
Each mora should be relatively even. Avoid strongly stressing one syllable as you might in English.
ろ — ro
そ — so
ろ — ro
Together: so-ro-so-ro
Do not hold a strong English r. A quick, light tap is closer.
Does そろそろ Have Kanji?
そろそろ is normally written in hiragana. There is no standard kanji spelling that beginners need to memorize.
Katakana for visual emphasis: ソロソロ
Recommended learner spelling: そろそろ
Katakana may appear in manga, advertisements, or stylized captions, but hiragana is the ordinary spelling.
How to Use そろそろ～しよう
The volitional form expresses a decision, suggestion, or intention similar to “let’s…” or “I think I’ll…”.
Let’s do it soon.
It is about time we did it.
I think I will do it soon.
そろそろ帰ろう。
Sorosoro kaerō.
Let’s head home soon / It is about time to go home.
そろそろ始めよう。
Sorosoro hajimeyō.
Let’s get started.
そろそろ寝よう。
Sorosoro neyō.
Let’s go to bed soon.
そろそろ行こう。
Sorosoro ikō.
Let’s get going.
If the speaker and listener are leaving together, it means “Let’s go.”
If the speaker is announcing a personal decision, it can mean “I think I’ll be going.”
Adding か: そろそろ～しようか
Adding か often turns the phrase into a gentle proposal or shared decision.
Shall we…?
Maybe we should…
Is it about time to…?
そろそろ帰ろうか。
Sorosoro kaerō ka.
Shall we head home?
そろそろ注文しようか。
Sorosoro chūmon shiyō ka.
Shall we order soon?
そろそろ次の話題に移ろうか。
Sorosoro tsugi no wadai ni utsurō ka.
Shall we move on to the next topic?
At the end of a visit, そろそろ帰ろうか may function as a polite signal that the visit should end.
How to Use そろそろ～しましょう
～ましょう is the polite volitional form. It is common in meetings, lessons, workplaces, tours, and customer-facing situations.
Let’s do it soon.
It is about time we did it.
Let us now begin to…
そろそろ会議を始めましょう。
Sorosoro kaigi o hajimemashō.
Let’s begin the meeting.
そろそろ次へ進みましょう。
Sorosoro tsugi e susumimashō.
Let’s move on to the next part.
そろそろ休憩にしましょう。
Sorosoro kyūkei ni shimashō.
Let’s take a break soon.
Japanese ～ましょう includes the group linguistically, but a person leading the activity may use it to guide everyone politely:
“Now, let’s begin.”
そろそろ帰る: A Natural Way to Begin Leaving
そろそろ is especially common when a person wants to leave without sounding abrupt.
I will be heading home soon.
そろそろ帰ろうかな。
Maybe I should get going.
そろそろ失礼します。
I should probably be going now.
I will excuse myself shortly.
楽しかったですが、そろそろ帰ります。
Tanoshikatta desu ga, sorosoro kaerimasu.
I had a great time, but I should probably head home now.
明日も早いので、そろそろ失礼します。
Ashita mo hayai node, sorosoro shitsurei shimasu.
I have an early day tomorrow, so I should be going.
そろそろ gives the listener a transition: the departure is presented as naturally approaching rather than happening without warning.
Can そろそろ帰る Be a Hint to Guests?
Because そろそろ marks an approaching transition, it can indirectly signal that an activity or visit should end.
もう遅いし、そろそろかな。
Mō osoi shi, sorosoro kana.
It is getting late, so maybe it is about time.
“It is about time to finish.”
“It is about time for you to leave.”
“We should wrap things up.”
Because it is indirect, pay attention to the situation, gestures, and tone.
そろそろ寝る: “It Is About Time to Go to Bed”
そろそろ寝ます。
Sorosoro nemasu.
I am going to bed soon.
そろそろ寝ようかな。
Sorosoro neyō kana.
Maybe I should go to bed.
子どもたち、そろそろ寝る時間だよ。
Kodomotachi, sorosoro neru jikan da yo.
Kids, it is almost time for bed.
“I wonder if I should…”
“Maybe I’ll…”
It softens the announcement and can invite a reaction without directly asking.
そろそろ時間です: The Scheduled Time Is Approaching
そろそろ時間です is a useful fixed-style expression.
It is almost time.
Our time is nearly up.
It is about time to begin or finish.
そろそろ出発の時間です。
Sorosoro shuppatsu no jikan desu.
It is almost time to depart.
そろそろ閉店の時間です。
Sorosoro heiten no jikan desu.
It is almost closing time.
そろそろお時間です。
Sorosoro ojikan desu.
Our allotted time is nearly over.
The honorific お時間 and the indirect timing expression soften the message.
そろそろ～ないと: “I Need to Do It Soon”
In casual Japanese, ～ないと can be the shortened form of a necessity expression such as ～ないといけない.
I need to do it soon.
If I do not do it soon, there may be a problem.
そろそろ帰らないと。
Sorosoro kaeranai to.
I need to get going soon.
そろそろ準備しないと。
Sorosoro junbi shinai to.
I need to start getting ready.
そろそろ決めないと。
Sorosoro kimenai to.
I need to make a decision soon.
そろそろ帰らないといけない。
I have to go home soon.
In conversation, そろそろ帰らないと sounds natural and less heavy.
そろそろ～なきゃ
～なきゃ is another casual shortened necessity expression.
そろそろ勉強しなきゃ。
Sorosoro benkyō shinakya.
I need to start studying soon.
そろそろ起きなきゃ。
Sorosoro okinakya.
I need to get up soon.
そろそろ～てもいい頃: “It May Be About Time”
The word 頃 (koro) means an approximate time or stage.
It may be about time to…
The stage when it would be acceptable to… is approaching.
そろそろ結果が出てもいい頃だ。
Sorosoro kekka ga dete mo ii koro da.
It should be about time for the results to come out.
彼から連絡が来てもいい頃です。
Kare kara renraku ga kite mo ii koro desu.
It is about time we heard from him.
“It would be natural if it happened around now.”
そろそろ～そう: A Change Looks Near
そろそろ can combine with expressions that predict an approaching event.
そろそろ雨が降りそうだ。
Sorosoro ame ga furisō da.
It looks like it may rain soon.
そろそろ桜が咲きそうです。
Sorosoro sakura ga sakisō desu.
The cherry blossoms look likely to bloom soon.
そろそろ電池が切れそう。
Sorosoro denchi ga kiresō.
The battery looks like it is about to run out.
そろそろ～てくる: A Gradual Change Is Becoming Noticeable
～てくる can describe a change developing toward the present.
そろそろ寒くなってきた。
Sorosoro samuku natte kita.
It is gradually starting to get cold.
そろそろ疲れてきた。
Sorosoro tsukarete kita.
I am starting to get tired.
そろそろお腹がすいてきた。
Sorosoro onaka ga suite kita.
I am starting to get hungry.
The tiredness begins gradually because enough time or effort has passed.
そろそろ vs もうすぐ: What Is the Difference?
Both can be translated as “soon.” Their focus is different.
The appropriate or expected time is approaching.
Often connected to judgment, preparation, suggestion, or transition.
もうすぐ
The event is close in time.
More directly describes temporal proximity.
電車はもうすぐ来ます。
Densha wa mō sugu kimasu.
The train will arrive soon.
そろそろ駅に向かいましょう。
Sorosoro eki ni mukaimashō.
It is about time we headed to the station.
もうすぐ来る simply emphasizes that arrival is close.
そろそろ来る often sounds like “It should be arriving around now.”
Spring is very near in time.
そろそろ春ですね。
We are reaching the stage when spring should begin; seasonal signs may be appearing.
そろそろ vs すぐ: What Is the Difference?
immediately / right away / very soon
そろそろ
the appropriate moment is approaching; not necessarily immediate
すぐ帰ります。
Sugu kaerimasu.
I will go home immediately / very soon.
そろそろ帰ります。
Sorosoro kaerimasu.
I should probably be heading home soon.
すぐ行ってください means “Please go immediately.”
そろそろ行きましょう means “It is becoming time for us to go.”
そろそろ vs もう: What Is the Difference?
A change has already happened, or a boundary has been reached.
そろそろ
The boundary or appropriate time is getting close.
もう十二時です。
Mō jūni-ji desu.
It is already twelve.
そろそろ十二時です。
Sorosoro jūni-ji desu.
It is almost twelve.
もう帰ります。
Mō kaerimasu.
I am leaving now / I will leave already.
⇒ The departure stage has arrived.そろそろ帰ります。
Sorosoro kaerimasu.
I should probably be going soon.
⇒ The appropriate departure time is approaching.
そろそろ vs ぼちぼち: What Is the Difference?
ぼちぼち can overlap with そろそろ, especially in casual conversation.
Standard nationwide expression.
The suitable time or stage is approaching.
ぼちぼち
little by little / gradually / about time
Casual; especially associated with western Japanese speech, though understood widely.
そろそろ行きましょう。
Let’s get going soon.
ぼちぼち行こか。
Bochibochi iko ka.
Shall we get going?
⇒ Casual, with a western-Japanese flavor.
Learn the local and conversational flavor of ぼちぼち through context.
そろそろ vs 徐々に and だんだん
When そろそろ means that a state is gradually developing, it can overlap with other gradual-change words.
The expected time or stage is approaching; often leads to an action or change.
だんだん
A change proceeds step by step and becomes noticeable.
徐々に (jojo ni)
gradually; formal or written compared with だんだん.
そろそろ寒くなる。
It will soon start getting cold.
⇒ The seasonal time is approaching.
だんだん寒くなってきた。
It has gradually become colder.
⇒ The change itself is visibly progressing.
気温は徐々に下がります。
The temperature will gradually decrease.
⇒ Neutral, formal description of gradual change.
The Older Meaning of そろそろ: Slowly and Quietly
Modern learners usually meet the “about time” meaning first. However, dictionaries also record an older meaning: an action is performed slowly, quietly, or gently.
そろそろと歩く。
Sorosoro to aruku.
to walk slowly and quietly
幕がそろそろと上がる。
Maku ga sorosoro to agaru.
The curtain slowly rises.
In daily conversation, ゆっくり, そっと, or 静かに may be more straightforward, depending on the intended meaning.
Origin and History of そろそろ
そろそろ has a long history in Japanese. Dictionary records show its slow and quiet movement sense in medieval material, a gradual-progress sense in early modern material, and the “the time is approaching” sense by the early nineteenth century.
an action proceeds quietly and slowly
↓
a situation progresses little by little
↓
a particular stage or suitable time gradually approaches
↓
modern expressions such as そろそろ帰ろう and そろそろ始めましょう
The modern timing meaning is therefore understandable as an extension of gradual movement: time or circumstances slowly move toward a new stage.
Do not invent separate everyday meanings for each そろ. The historical relationship is better understood through the whole word’s gradual-motion image.
Polite Uses of そろそろ
そろそろ itself is neither rude nor especially honorific. Politeness comes from the complete sentence and the relationship.
そろそろ帰るね。
I’ll be heading home soon.
Polite:
そろそろ帰ります。
I will be heading home soon.
More formal departure:
そろそろ失礼いたします。
I should be taking my leave now.
Polite group guidance:
そろそろ始めましょう。
Let us begin.
In a delicate situation, explain the reason or use a conventional announcement, such as:
そろそろお時間です。
Our time is nearly up.
Business and Workplace Examples
そろそろ会議を始めさせていただきます。
Sorosoro kaigi o hajimesasete itadakimasu.
We will now begin the meeting.
そろそろ結論を出す必要があります。
Sorosoro ketsuron o dasu hitsuyō ga arimasu.
We need to reach a conclusion soon.
そろそろ次の段階へ進む時期です。
Sorosoro tsugi no dankai e susumu jiki desu.
It is about time to move to the next stage.
そろそろ締め切りが近づいています。
Sorosoro shimekiri ga chikazuite imasu.
The deadline is beginning to approach.
そろそろ提出してください is vague. For required work, give a concrete time:
明日の午後五時までに提出してください。
Please submit it by 5 p.m. tomorrow.
そろそろ in Anime, Manga, and Games
Anime and games often use そろそろ before a character changes the pace, reveals their strength, leaves, or begins a decisive action.
It is about time we went.
そろそろ本気を出すか。
Maybe it is time to get serious.
そろそろ終わりにしよう。
Let’s bring this to an end.
そろそろ決着をつける。
It is time to settle this.
そろそろ来る頃だ。
They should be arriving around now.
そろそろ限界だ。
I am getting close to my limit.
“I have waited long enough.”
“The situation has now developed to the point where I should become serious.”
Common Beginner Mistakes with そろそろ
Mistake 1: Translating It as “Soon” Every Time
Natural: It is about time to go home.
Possible: Let’s go home soon.
そろそろ決めないと。
Natural: I need to decide soon.
Natural: It is about time I made a decision.
The best translation depends on whether the sentence predicts an event, suggests an action, or expresses necessity.
Mistake 2: Using It for an Immediate Emergency
すぐ逃げて！
Run away immediately!
Gradual transition:
そろそろ避難を始めましょう。
Let’s begin evacuating soon.
When immediate action is necessary, すぐ is usually more suitable.
Mistake 3: Treating It as an Exact Time Expression
そろそろ does not specify exactly how many minutes remain.
そろそろ始めます。
We will begin around now / soon.
Exact:
三時に始めます。
We will begin at three.
Mistake 4: Assuming そろそろ帰る Is Always a Shared Suggestion
Depending on context:
・Let’s go home.
・I think I’ll go home.
Clear shared invitation:
一緒にそろそろ帰ろう。
Let’s head home together soon.
Mistake 5: Confusing そろそろ with 恐る恐る
恐る恐る (osoru osoru) means cautiously or fearfully. It is unrelated to modern そろそろ meaning “it is about time.”
Mistake 6: Adding そろそろ Where There Is No Expected Transition
The word sounds natural when the speaker can imagine a developing situation or an approaching stage.
十一時だから、そろそろ寝よう。
It is eleven, so let’s go to bed soon.
Needs context:
そろそろ鉛筆を買う。
I will buy a pencil soon.
This becomes natural only if a reason makes buying a pencil an approaching need, such as the current one becoming too short.
Natural Example Sentences with そろそろ
そろそろ家を出ます。
Sorosoro ie o demasu.
I will be leaving the house soon.
そろそろ仕事を始めよう。
Sorosoro shigoto o hajimeyō.
Let’s get started on the work.
もう遅いから、そろそろ帰ろうか。
Mō osoi kara, sorosoro kaerō ka.
It is getting late, so shall we head home?
そろそろ夕飯の準備をしないと。
Sorosoro yūhan no junbi o shinai to.
I need to start preparing dinner soon.
そろそろ桜が咲く季節です。
Sorosoro sakura ga saku kisetsu desu.
It is almost cherry blossom season.
そろそろバスが来るはずです。
Sorosoro basu ga kuru hazu desu.
The bus should be arriving around now.
そろそろ新しい靴を買おうかな。
Sorosoro atarashii kutsu o kaō kana.
Maybe it is about time I bought new shoes.
そろそろ次の質問に移りましょう。
Sorosoro tsugi no shitsumon ni utsurimashō.
Let’s move on to the next question.
子どもがそろそろ起きる時間です。
Kodomo ga sorosoro okiru jikan desu.
It is almost time for the child to wake up.
そろそろ返事をもらってもいい頃だ。
Sorosoro henji o moratte mo ii koro da.
It should be about time to receive a reply.
そろそろ冬服を出したほうがいい。
Sorosoro fuyufuku o dashita hō ga ii.
It is probably time to take out the winter clothes.
そろそろ締め切りなので、急いでください。
Sorosoro shimekiri na node, isoide kudasai.
The deadline is approaching, so please hurry.
そろそろ雨がやみそうです。
Sorosoro ame ga yamisō desu.
It looks like the rain may stop soon.
そろそろお腹がすいてきた。
Sorosoro onaka ga suite kita.
I am starting to get hungry.
そろそろ髪を切りに行きたい。
Sorosoro kami o kiri ni ikitai.
I want to get my hair cut before long / It is about time for a haircut.
パスポートの期限が近いので、そろそろ更新しなければならない。
Pasupōto no kigen ga chikai node, sorosoro kōshin shinakereba naranai.
My passport is nearing expiration, so I need to renew it soon.
そろそろ本題に入りましょう。
Sorosoro hondai ni hairimashō.
Let’s get to the main subject.
駅に着いたら、そろそろ連絡してください。
Eki ni tsuitara, sorosoro renraku shite kudasai.
This sentence is unnatural for “contact me when you arrive.” Use 駅に着いたら連絡してください instead.
When a clear condition already determines the exact action point—“when you arrive”—そろそろ may be unnecessary or confusing.
Mini Dialogues Using そろそろ
At a Friend’s House
It is already ten.
B: うん。そろそろ帰ろうかな。
Yeah. Maybe I should get going.
A: そうだね。駅まで送るよ。
Okay. I’ll walk you to the station.
Before a Meeting
Is everyone here?
B: はい、そろいました。
Yes, everyone is here.
A: では、そろそろ始めましょう。
Then, let’s begin.
Waiting for a Delivery
The package still has not arrived.
B: 予定では三時だから、そろそろ来ると思うよ。
It is scheduled for three, so I think it should arrive around now.
Ending an Online Chat
You have work tomorrow too, right?
B: うん。そろそろ寝るね。
Yeah. I’m going to bed soon.
A: おやすみ。
Good night.
FAQ About そろそろ
What does sorosoro mean in Japanese?
そろそろ usually means that the suitable or expected time for an action or change is approaching. Depending on context, it can mean “soon,” “before long,” or “it is about time to.”
What does sorosoro shiyou mean?
そろそろしよう means “Let’s do it soon” or “It is about time we did it.” The specific action should normally be clear from context or stated with a verb, such as そろそろ始めよう.
What does sorosoro kaerou mean?
そろそろ帰ろう means “Let’s head home” or “I think I’ll head home.” Context determines whether it is a shared suggestion or the speaker’s personal decision.
What does sorosoro neyou mean?
そろそろ寝よう means “Let’s go to bed soon” or “It is about time to go to bed.”
What is the difference between sorosoro and mou sugu?
もうすぐ directly says that an event is close in time. そろそろ often expresses the speaker’s judgment that the appropriate or expected time is approaching.
What is the difference between sorosoro and sugu?
すぐ means “immediately” or “right away.” そろそろ means the proper time is approaching and does not necessarily require immediate action.
Is sorosoro polite?
The word itself is neutral. The complete sentence determines politeness: そろそろ帰る is casual, while そろそろ失礼いたします is formal.
Can sorosoro mean slowly?
Yes. Dictionaries record an older meaning describing an action performed slowly, quietly, or gently. In modern everyday conversation, the “about time” meaning is much more common.
How do you write sorosoro in Japanese?
It is normally written in hiragana as そろそろ. Katakana ソロソロ may be used for stylistic emphasis.
How do you pronounce sorosoro?
Pronounce it in four even morae: そ・ろ・そ・ろ. The Japanese r is a light tongue tap rather than a strong English r.
Related Japanese Time Expressions
soon; almost — an event is close in time
すぐ (sugu)
immediately; right away
もう (mō)
already; a boundary has been reached
やがて (yagate)
before long; eventually — often narrative or written
まもなく (mamonaku)
shortly; soon — formal announcements and neutral predictions
ぼちぼち (bochibochi)
little by little; about time — casual, with regional associations
だんだん (dandan)
gradually; progressively
そろそろ～しよう
let’s do it soon / it is about time to do it
そろそろ帰ろう。
It is about time to go home.
そろそろ始めましょう。
Let’s begin.
そろそろ～ないと。
I need to do ～ soon.
These cover suggestion, polite group action, and personal necessity.
Summary: The Meaning and Usage of そろそろ
The appropriate or expected time for an action or change is approaching.
● Core image
The situation gradually moves toward the moment when the next action becomes natural.
● Common translations
soon / before long / it is about time / we should probably
● Writing and pronunciation
Hiragana: そろそろ
Romaji: sorosoro
Mora: そ・ろ・そ・ろ
● Essential patterns
そろそろVよう = let’s / I think I’ll V soon
そろそろVましょう = let’s V now/soon
そろそろVないと = I need to V soon
そろそろ時間です = it is almost time
● Key comparisons
そろそろ = the appropriate stage is approaching
もうすぐ = the event is close in time
すぐ = immediately
もう = the boundary has already been reached
● Older meaning
slowly, quietly, or gently
Ask:
What new action or stage does the speaker feel is becoming appropriate now?
That question will help you understand both the timing and the soft conversational nuance.
References
- Kotobank: そろそろ — modern meanings and historical examples from デジタル大辞泉 and 精選版 日本国語大辞典.
- Goo Dictionary: そろそろ／ゆるゆる／ゆっくり — differences between gradual, quiet movement and an approaching time or state.