[Japanese Learning]
What’s the difference between “すぐ” (sugu) and “もうすぐ” (mou sugu)?
“I thought ‘もうすぐだね～’ (It’s almost time) and ‘すぐだね～’ (It’s soon) mean the same thing…”
“When I said ‘誕生日すぐだね’ (Your birthday is soon), I was told that’s not the right usage…”
“Please explain clearly what the difference is between ‘すぐ’ (sugu) and ‘もうすぐ’ (mou sugu)!”
For learners of Japanese, “すぐ” (sugu) and “もうすぐ” (mou sugu) may seem similar, but there are subtle differences in their usage and meaning.
Below, Eri-san from JPLT Online Japanese Language School explains in detail with specific examples.
■ Meaning and usage of “すぐ” (sugu)
“すぐ” (sugu) indicates something happening in a very short time or shows proximity. It is used in the sense of “immediately” or “very near.”
Examples:
Regarding time:
- 宿題が終わったらすぐに遊びに行けます (Shukudai ga owattara sugu ni asobi ni ikemasu): You can go play as soon as you finish your homework.
- 電話をすぐに切らないでください (Denwa wo sugu ni kiranaide kudasai): Please don’t hang up the phone right away.
- Regarding place:
- 駅はすぐそこです (Eki wa sugu soko desu): The station is right there.
- スーパーは家のすぐ近くにあります (Suupaa wa ie no sugu chikaku ni arimasu): The supermarket is very close to the house.
■ Meaning and usage of “もうすぐ” (mou sugu)
“もうすぐ” (mou sugu) indicates something that will happen after a short while. It means “soon” but not immediately, rather in the near future.
Examples:
Regarding time:
- もうすぐ春が来ます (Mou sugu haru ga kimasu): Spring is coming soon.
- 映画がもうすぐ始まります (Eiga ga mou sugu hajimarimasu): The movie is about to start soon.
- Regarding events:
- 彼の誕生日はもうすぐです (Kare no tanjoubi wa mou sugu desu): His birthday is soon.
- もうすぐお昼の時間です (Mou sugu ohiru no jikan desu): It’s almost lunchtime.
■ Specific comparison
“すぐ” (sugu) means “right now” or “immediately,” indicating something that happens almost instantly.
For example, “すぐに行きます” (sugu ni ikimasu) means “I will go right away.”
“もうすぐ” (mou sugu) means “after a short while,” indicating something that will happen in the near future but not immediately. For example, “もうすぐ行きます” (mou sugu ikimasu) means “I will go soon.”
■ Comparison in specific examples
In conversation:
- When making plans with a friend:
すぐ行くよ (Sugu iku yo): I will go right away (immediately).
もうすぐ行くよ (Mou sugu iku yo): I will go soon (after a short while).
Regarding the start time of an event:
- At the movie theater:
映画はすぐ始まる (Eiga wa sugu hajimaru): The movie starts immediately.
映画はもうすぐ始まる (Eiga wa mou sugu hajimaru): The movie is about to start soon.
■ Summary
What’s the difference between “すぐ” (sugu) and “もうすぐ” (mou sugu)?
Both “すぐ” (sugu) and “もうすぐ” (mou sugu) indicate something happening in the near future, but the length of time differs. “すぐ” (sugu) means something will happen immediately, while “もうすぐ” (mou sugu) means something will happen after a short while. Understanding this difference will help you use more natural Japanese.
JPLT Online Japanese Language School offers effective learning methods through individual and group lessons. The teachers explain in detail why you can’t say “すぐ” (sugu) and “もうすぐ” (mou sugu) interchangeably. We support improving your vocabulary and practical conversation practice so that you can speak Japanese naturally.
