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
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すぐ and 言下.
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, 言下 (げんか (genka)) maps to "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used with verbs like 「断る. 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 "言下"
彼は言下に参加を断った。
He refused to participate on the spot.
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.". "言下" represents "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation".