Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
さっそく
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
即刻
そっこく (sokkoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さっそく and 即刻.
In Japanese, さっそく (さっそく (sassoku)) is typically associated with "immediately, without delay, at once" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Adverb indicating prompt action. Used when something is done quickly after a decision, event, or receipt of information..
On the other hand, 即刻 (そっこく (sokkoku)) maps to "immediately, instantly, promptly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Stronger than 「すぐに」. A literal translation of "immediately" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "さっそく"
知らせを聞いて、さっそく準備を始めた。
Upon hearing the news, I immediately started preparations.
Bilingual Context for "即刻"
問題が発生したら、即刻上司に報告してください。
If a problem occurs, please report it to your boss immediately.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "知らせを聞いて、 ＿＿＿ 準備を始めた。" (Meaning: "Upon hearing the news, I immediately started preparations.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "さっそく" fits here because it means "immediately, without delay, at once" in the context of: "Upon hearing the news, I immediately started preparations.". "即刻" represents "immediately, instantly, promptly".