Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "さっそく", "即座に", "即刻", "いちはやく", "直ちに"
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
即座に
そくざに (sokuzani)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
即刻
そっこく (sokkoku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
いちはやく
いちはやく (ichihayaku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
直ちに
ただちに (tadachini)
B2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "immediately" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "さっそく", "即座に", "即刻", "いちはやく", "直ちに" 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..
- 直ちに (ただちに (tadachini) - Level: B2): Maps to "immediately, at once" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
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.
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.
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.".