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
早速
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さっそく and 早速.
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, 早速 (さっそく (sassoku)) maps to "immediately, right away, without delay" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express that an action is taken quickly after an event or decision, or without hesitation. It often implies responding promptly to an opportunity or situation.. 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 "早速"
新しい店がオープンしたので、早速行ってみました。
Since the new store opened, I immediately went to check it out.
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.". "早速" represents "immediately, right away, without delay".