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
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いちはやく and 言下.
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, 言下 (げんか (genka)) maps to "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used with verbs like 「断る. 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 "言下"
彼は言下に参加を断った。
He refused to participate on the spot.
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.". "言下" represents "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation".