Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Immediately" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "immediately", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
至急
しきゅう (shikyuu)
N2 / 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 至急 and 直ちに.
In Japanese, 至急 (しきゅう (shikyuu)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "至急"
この書類を至急確認してください。
Please check this document immediately.
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: "この書類を ＿＿＿ 確認してください。" (Meaning: "Please check this document immediately.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "至急" fits here because it means "immediately, urgently, as soon as possible" in the context of: "Please check this document immediately.". "直ちに" represents "immediately, at once".