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
至急
しきゅう (shikyuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 即刻 and 至急.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "至急" represents "immediately, urgently, as soon as possible".