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
即座に
そくざに (sokuzani)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さっそく and 即座に.
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, 即座に (そくざに (sokuzani)) maps to "immediately, on the spot, instantly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a very quick, almost instantaneous reaction or action without any delay.. 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 "即座に"
彼は私の質問に即座に答えた。
He answered my question 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.". "即座に" represents "immediately, on the spot, instantly".