Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いちはやく
いちはやく (ichihayaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
直ちに
ただちに (tadachini)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いちはやく and 直ちに.
In Japanese, いちはやく (いちはやく (ichihayaku)) is typically associated with "immediately, quickly, promptly; at the earliest stage" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes speed and being among the first to react or act. Implies seizing an opportunity or recognizing something early..
On the other hand, 直ちに (ただちに (tadachini)) maps to "immediately, at once" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "immediately" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いちはやく"
彼は危険をいちはやく察知し、皆に知らせた。
He immediately sensed the danger and informed everyone.
Bilingual Context for "直ちに"
私は直ちにに興味があります。
I am interested in immediately, at once.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は危険を ＿＿＿ 察知し、皆に知らせた。" (Meaning: "He immediately sensed the danger and informed everyone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いちはやく" fits here because it means "immediately, quickly, promptly; at the earliest stage" in the context of: "He immediately sensed the danger and informed everyone.". "直ちに" represents "immediately, at once".