Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "さっそく", "即座に", "至急", "いちはやく", "言下"
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
至急
しきゅう (shikyuu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
いちはやく
いちはやく (ichihayaku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "immediately" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "さっそく", "即座に", "至急", "いちはやく", "言下" 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..
- 至急 (しきゅう (shikyuu) - Level: N2): Maps to "immediately, urgently, as soon as possible" and is used when 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。.
- 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..
- 言下 (げんか (genka) - Level: N1): Maps to "immediately; promptly; on the spot; without hesitation" and is used when Often used with verbs like 「断る.
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 "至急"
この書類を至急確認してください。
Please check this document 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 "言下"
彼は言下に参加を断った。
He refused to participate on the spot.
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.".