Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
すぐ
すぐ (sugu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さっそく
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すぐ and さっそく.
In Japanese, すぐ (すぐ (sugu)) is typically associated with "immediately, soon, right away" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb indicating that something will happen quickly or without delay, or is in close proximity..
On the other hand, さっそく (さっそく (sassoku)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "immediately" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "すぐ"
彼はすぐにここに来ます。
He will come here right away.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ にここに来ます。" (Meaning: "He will come here right away.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "すぐ" fits here because it means "immediately, soon, right away" in the context of: "He will come here right away.". "さっそく" represents "immediately, without delay, at once".