French word

bientôt

Pronunciation

IPA/bjɛ̃to/

Meaning

  • adverbsoon

Example

Je reviendrai bientôt.

I will come back soon.

Illustration for bientôt (soon)

More examples

Le film commence bientôt.

The film starts soon.

Core concept

A near but not exact point in the future, close enough to feel approaching but not immediate.

Common phrases

  • à bientôt

    see you soon

  • bientôt disponible

    available soon

  • bientôt prêt

    ready soon

Similar words

immédiatement: Immediately and without delay.
tout de suite: Right away, with no delay.
prochainement: Soon, typically referring to a planned event.

Definition in French

Indique qu'un événement aura lieu dans un avenir proche sans préciser l'instant exact.

Word origin

French bientôt comes from the combination bien tôt, with tôt descended from Old French tost, meaning early.

Usage tips

  • Unlike tout de suite, bientôt marks a near future without implying that an event starts immediately.

Opposites

Word lists with this word