そのうち

• Reading: そのうち
• Romaji: sono uchi
• Pronunciation: /so.no.ɯ.t͡ɕi/

Meaning

Before long; eventually; sooner or later. Expresses that something will happen at an unspecified time in the near future.

An adverb suggesting something will occur at some unspecified point, often with a casual or resigned nuance. Can imply either optimism (そのうちよくなる — it will get better eventually) or gentle dismissal (そのうちね — eventually, maybe). Less precise than もうすぐ (very soon) and more hopeful than いつか (someday). Sometimes written as その内.

Examples

1. そのうち慣れるから心配しないで。 You'll get used to it before long, so don't worry.
2. あの二人はそのうち付き合うと思う。 I think those two will end up dating eventually.
3. そのうち会えるといいですね。 I hope we can meet up sometime soon.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, conversation, reassurance

Tone: relaxed

Origin & History

Compound of その (that) and うち (within/among). Literally 'within that (time)' — indicating something within an expected but unspecified time frame.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal