すぐ戻る
sugu modoru
The English phrase 'brb' can be translated into Japanese as すぐ戻る (sugu modoru).
In text-based communication such as gaming or chat, すぐ戻る functions as the direct equivalent to the English 'brb' to indicate that you will return shortly.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sugu meaning 'immediately' and modoru meaning 'to return'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version suitable for use with acquaintances or in a more formal digital setting, use すぐ戻ります. In casual text messaging, female speakers often add the particle わ to the end to create すぐ戻るわ, which sounds more casual and feminine. Other informal ways to express stepping away include ちょっと行ってくる (I'll be going for a bit and coming back), ちょっと出てくる (I'll come out for a bit and return) or ちょっと抜けます (stepping away for a moment). For a formal setting, you might use ちょっと退席します to say 'I will briefly step away'.
How do you pronounce it?
sugu modoru
Did you know?
- Japanese internet users often use the word 離席 (riseki) when stepping away, which specifically describes the act of 'leaving one's seat' rather than just being absent.
- The phrase ちょっと抜けます (chotto nukemasu) uses a verb that means 'to slip out', treating a digital chat room as if it were a physical queue or a crowded room.
- While the particle わ in すぐ戻るわ is feminine in Tokyo, its meaning and nuance can change completely depending on the regional dialect being used.
Examples in context
- ちょっと用事があるから、すぐ戻るね。Chotto youji ga aru kara, sugu modoru ne.I have something to do, so I'll be right back.
- すぐ戻るから、待ってて。Sugu modoru kara, mattete.I'll be right back, so wait for me.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting on a messaging app.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、ちょっと電話が来たからすぐ戻るね。Himari, chotto denwa ga kita kara sugu modoru ne.Himari, I'll be right back, I have a phone call.
- 陽葵 Himari了解！すぐ戻ってきてね。Ryokai! Sugu modotte kite ne.Got it! Come back soon.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、すぐ戻る。Un, sugu modoru.Yeah, be right back.
- 陽葵 Himari待ってるよ。Matteru yo.I'll be waiting.
