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
至急
しきゅう (shikyuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さっそく and 至急.
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, 至急 (しきゅう (shikyuu)) maps to "immediately, urgently, as soon as possible" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in business or formal contexts, conveying a strong sense of urgency. Less common in casual conversation. 「早く」よりも緊急度が高い場合に用いられます。. 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 "至急"
この書類を至急確認してください。
Please check this document 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.". "至急" represents "immediately, urgently, as soon as possible".