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
直ちに
ただちに (tadachini)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 早速 and 直ちに.
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, 直ちに (ただちに (tadachini)) maps to "immediately, at once" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "直ちに"
私は直ちにに興味があります。
I am interested in immediately, at once.
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.". "直ちに" represents "immediately, at once".