Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
即座
そくざ (sokuza)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
即座に
そくざに (sokuzani)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 即座 and 即座に.
In Japanese, 即座 (そくざ (sokuza)) is typically associated with "immediately, on the spot, instantly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes an extremely quick, instantaneous response or action, leaving no delay. Often used adverbially with 「即座に〜」..
On the other hand, 即座に (そくざに (sokuzani)) maps to "immediately, on the spot, instantly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a very quick, almost instantaneous reaction or action without any delay.. A literal translation of "immediately" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "即座"
質問に対して、彼は即座に答えた。
He answered the question immediately.
Bilingual Context for "即座に"
彼は私の質問に即座に答えた。
He answered my question immediately.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "質問に対して、彼は ＿＿＿ に答えた。" (Meaning: "He answered the question immediately.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "即座" fits here because it means "immediately, on the spot, instantly" in the context of: "He answered the question immediately.". "即座に" represents "immediately, on the spot, instantly".