もうすぐ

• Reading: もうすぐ
• Romaji: mousugu
• Pronunciation: /mo.ɯ.sɯ.gɯ/

Meaning

Very soon; in a few moments; any minute now. Indicates something is about to happen imminently.

A compound adverb from もう (already/soon) and すぐ (immediately/right away). Stronger immediacy than そろそろ — implies the event is very close. Used for things expected within minutes to days. The kanji もう直ぐ exists but is rarely used; hiragana is standard.

Examples

1. もうすぐ夏休みが始まります。 Summer vacation is starting very soon.
2. バスがもうすぐ来ると思いますよ。 I think the bus will be here any minute now.
3. もうすぐ誕生日なので楽しみです。 My birthday is coming up soon, so I'm excited.

Usage Guide

Context: anticipation, schedules, daily life

Tone: expectant

Origin & History

Combines もう (mō, already — from a sense of reaching a limit) and すぐ (sugu, immediately — possibly from 直ぐ, 'straight/directly'). Together: 'already almost immediately' — that is, very soon.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal