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
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "immediately" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 至急 and 言下.
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, 言下 (げんか (genka)) maps to "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used with verbs like 「断る. 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 "言下"
彼は言下に参加を断った。
He refused to participate on the spot.
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.". "言下" represents "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation".