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
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 即刻 and 言下.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "言下" represents "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation".