Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
早速
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
即刻
そっこく (sokkoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 早速 and 即刻.
In Japanese, 早速 (さっそく (sassoku)) is typically associated with "immediately, right away, without delay" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express that an action is taken quickly after an event or decision, or without hesitation. It often implies responding promptly to an opportunity or situation..
On the other hand, 即刻 (そっこく (sokkoku)) maps to "immediately, instantly, promptly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Stronger than 「すぐに」. A literal translation of "immediately" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "早速"
新しい店がオープンしたので、早速行ってみました。
Since the new store opened, I immediately went to check it out.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しい店がオープンしたので、 ＿＿＿ 行ってみました。" (Meaning: "Since the new store opened, I immediately went to check it out.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "早速" fits here because it means "immediately, right away, without delay" in the context of: "Since the new store opened, I immediately went to check it out.". "即刻" represents "immediately, instantly, promptly".