Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
即刻
そっこく (sokkoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
直ちに
ただちに (tadachini)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 即刻 and 直ちに.
In Japanese, 即刻 (そっこく (sokkoku)) is typically associated with "immediately, instantly, promptly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Stronger than 「すぐに」.
On the other hand, 直ちに (ただちに (tadachini)) maps to "immediately, at once" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "immediately" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "即刻"
問題が発生したら、即刻上司に報告してください。
If a problem occurs, please report it to your boss immediately.
Bilingual Context for "直ちに"
私は直ちにに興味があります。
I am interested in immediately, at once.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "問題が発生したら、 ＿＿＿ 上司に報告してください。" (Meaning: "If a problem occurs, please report it to your boss immediately.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "即刻" fits here because it means "immediately, instantly, promptly" in the context of: "If a problem occurs, please report it to your boss immediately.". "直ちに" represents "immediately, at once".