不久
bùjiǔ
In Chinese, the English word "soon" can be expressed in several ways, most commonly using 不久 (bùjiǔ). Wiktionary also lists 快 (kuài).
Meaning: within a short time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 不久 | bùjiǔ |
| 快 | kuài |
The phrase 尽快 (jǐnkuài) is the standard way to say "as soon as possible" and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 不久 (bùjiǔ) literally means "not long."
Which one should you use?
While 不久 can mean "soon" (in the future), it is also frequently used to mean "not long ago" (in the past).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is going to happen soon, the pattern 快…了 (kuài…le) is used, such as 快下雨了 (It's about to rain).
How do you pronounce it?
bùjiǔ
Did you know?
- In Chinese, 快 can describe both the speed of an action and a person's personality. A 快 person is someone who is straightforward or blunt in their speech.
- In some contexts, 快 is used to describe food that is 'crisp' or 'snappy'. This usage relates to the speed at which the food breaks or snaps in the mouth.
- In the word 快 (kuài), the radical 忄 represents the 'heart', suggesting that speed or emotion is felt internally.
Examples in context
- 請盡快回家。Please come back home as soon as you can.This sentence uses 快.Tatoeba #5739304 by verdastelo9604, translation #2986618 by CK
- 请尽快回来。Please come back as soon as possible.Tatoeba #5865543 by verdastelo9604, translation #39527 by CK
- 他們會儘快。They will do it as soon as possible.Tatoeba #13199799 by LeviHighway, translation #13538336 by LeviHighway
- 182 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are waiting for a train at the station.
- 梓涵 Zihan火车多久才会到？Huǒchē duōjiǔ cái huì dào?How long until the train arrives?
- 俊杰 Junjie听说不久就会到。Tīngshuō bùjiǔ jiù huì dào.I heard it will arrive soon.
- 梓涵 Zihan那太好了，我等不及了。Nà tài hǎo le, wǒ děng bù jí le.That's great, I can't wait.
- 俊杰 Junjie梓涵，你看，车来了！Zǐhán, nǐ kàn, chē lái le!Zihan, look, the train is coming!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soon” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 快, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
