wkrótce
/ˈfkrut.t͡sɛ/
The English word 'soon' can be translated into Polish as wkrótce or niedługo.
Meaning: within a short time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| wkrótce | /ˈfkrut.t͡sɛ/ |
| niedługo | /ɲɛˈdwu.ɡɔ/ |
Both terms describe something occurring within a short time. Note that if you wish to say 'right away' or 'in a second', you should use the word zaraz instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The form niedługo is a combination of the negation nie (not) and długo (long), meaning 'not long'. The form wkrótce is derived from the adjective krótki (short), implying a sense of 'shortly'.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean 'soon', niedługo is the more common, everyday way to express the idea in spoken Polish. Wkrótce often sounds slightly more formal or literary.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfkrut.tsɛ/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word zaraz, used for 'right away', is often used by Polish parents as a polite way to say 'not now' or 'wait a bit' when a child is asking for something.
- While niedługo means 'soon', the root word długi is also used to describe a 'long' distance or a 'long' debt in Polish.
- The word długi, which forms the base of niedługo, shares an ancient Indo-European root with the English word 'long'.
Examples in context
- To się niedługo stanie.It'll happen soon.This sentence shows how to use niedługo to indicate an upcoming event.Tatoeba #4939057 by aleksandraeska, translation #4937933 by CK
- Wkrótce wróci z Europy.He will return from Europe soon.This sentence demonstrates the use of wkrótce regarding a return from Europe.Tatoeba #5913579 by jeedrek, translation #292927 by CK
- On wkrótce wróci do gry.He will return to the game soon.This sentence shows the use of wkrótce in the context of returning to a game.Tatoeba #5913585 by jeedrek, translation #292932 by CK
- Spotkamy się niedługoWe will meet soon
- Konferencja zostanie rozpoczęta wkrótceThe conference will commence shortly
- Przepraszam, za chwilę będę gotowySorry, I'll be ready in a moment
- Idę zarazI'll be there in a second
- Już niedługo zaczniemy bawić się na przyjęciuWe will start having fun at the party very soon
- 143 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Krzysztof are discussing a movie release.
- KatarzynaKiedy ten film wejdzie do kin?When will this movie be released in theaters?
- KrzysztofMyślę, że pojawi się wkrótce.I think it will appear soon.
- KatarzynaMam nadzieję, że to prawda.I hope that is true.
- KrzysztofKupimy bilety, gdy tylko wyjdą.We will buy tickets as soon as they are available.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “soon” translations and entries wkrótce, niedługo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries niedługo, wkrótce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
