尚早

• Reading: しょうそう
• Romaji: shousou
• Kanji breakdown: 尚 (shō) — still, yet, furthermore; 早 (sō/haya) — early, quick
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.soː/

Meaning

Premature; hasty; too early. Describes an action or decision taken before the appropriate time or conditions are in place.

A na-adjective (and noun) often used to caution against rushing. The phrase 時期尚早 (jiki shousou, premature timing) is a very common set expression in business and political contexts, meaning it is too soon. The word carries a tone of measured restraint rather than outright rejection.

Examples

1. 今の段階で結論を出すのは時期尚早だと、委員長は会議の延期を決めた。 The chairperson decided to postpone the meeting, saying it was premature to draw conclusions at this stage.
2. 市場調査が不十分なまま発売するのは尚早だという意見が多かった。 Many felt it was too early to launch the product without sufficient market research.
3. 彼の引退はまだ尚早で、もう一シーズン続けてほしいと監督は語った。 The coach said his retirement was still premature and urged him to continue for at least one more season.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, academia, decision-making

Tone: cautious

Origin & History

Compound of 尚 (shō, still/yet) and 早 (sō, early/quick). Together they mean still early — a formal expression for something that has not yet reached its proper time.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated