Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
即座に
そくざに (sokuzani)
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 即座に and 至急.
In Japanese, 即座に (そくざに (sokuzani)) is typically associated with "immediately, on the spot, instantly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a very quick, almost instantaneous reaction or action without any delay..
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 "即座に"
彼は私の質問に即座に答えた。
He answered my question 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: "彼は私の質問に ＿＿＿ 答えた。" (Meaning: "He answered my question immediately.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "即座に" fits here because it means "immediately, on the spot, instantly" in the context of: "He answered my question immediately.". "至急" represents "immediately, urgently, as soon as possible".