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
至急
しきゅう (shikyuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すぐ and 至急.
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, 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 "すぐ"
彼はすぐにここに来ます。
He will come here right away.
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: "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.". "至急" represents "immediately, urgently, as soon as possible".