そろそろ

• Reading: そろそろ
• Romaji: sorosoro
• Pronunciation: /so.ɾo.so.ɾo/

Meaning

Soon; before long; gradually; slowly. Indicates something is about to happen or should happen now.

An onomatopoeic adverb with two senses: (1) 'it is about time to...' — implying the right moment has arrived; (2) 'slowly, gradually' — describing careful or unhurried movement. The first sense is far more common in daily conversation. Often used as a polite way to signal departure: そろそろ帰ります.

Examples

1. そろそろ出かけましょうか。 Shall we get going soon?
2. そろそろ桜の季節ですね。 It's almost cherry blossom season, isn't it?
3. 赤ちゃんがそろそろ歩き始めるころです。 The baby should be starting to walk any time now.

Usage Guide

Context: departures, time expressions, daily life

Tone: gentle

Origin & History

A mimetic (onomatopoeic) word imitating slow, careful movement. The repetition of そろ reinforces the sense of gradualism — something approaching step by step or progressing little by little.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal