Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "さっそく", "即座", "即座に", "即刻", "いちはやく"
All represent the core concept "immediately", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
さっそく
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
即座
そくざ (sokuza)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
即座に
そくざに (sokuzani)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
即刻
そっこく (sokkoku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
いちはやく
いちはやく (ichihayaku)
N2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "immediately" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "さっそく", "即座", "即座に", "即刻", "いちはやく" based on context.
- さっそく (さっそく (sassoku) - Level: N3): Maps to "immediately, without delay, at once" and is used when Adverb indicating prompt action. Used when something is done quickly after a decision, event, or receipt of information..
- 即座 (そくざ (sokuza) - Level: N2): Maps to "immediately, on the spot, instantly" and is used when Emphasizes an extremely quick, instantaneous response or action, leaving no delay. Often used adverbially with 「即座に〜」..
- 即座に (そくざに (sokuzani) - Level: N2): Maps to "immediately, on the spot, instantly" and is used when Emphasizes a very quick, almost instantaneous reaction or action without any delay..
- 即刻 (そっこく (sokkoku) - Level: N2): Maps to "immediately, instantly, promptly" and is used when Stronger than 「すぐに」.
- いちはやく (いちはやく (ichihayaku) - Level: N2): Maps to "immediately, quickly, promptly; at the earliest stage" and is used when Emphasizes speed and being among the first to react or act. Implies seizing an opportunity or recognizing something early..
Context for "さっそく"
知らせを聞いて、さっそく準備を始めた。
Upon hearing the news, I immediately started preparations.
Context for "即座"
質問に対して、彼は即座に答えた。
He answered the question immediately.
Context for "即座に"
彼は私の質問に即座に答えた。
He answered my question immediately.
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.
Context for "いちはやく"
彼は危険をいちはやく察知し、皆に知らせた。
He immediately sensed the danger and informed everyone.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "知らせを聞いて、 ＿＿＿ 準備を始めた。" (Meaning: "Upon hearing the news, I immediately started preparations.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "さっそく" is correct here because it represents "immediately, without delay, at once" in the context: "Upon hearing the news, I immediately started preparations.".