Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "さっそく", "早速", "即座", "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
早速
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
即座
そくざ (sokuza)
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", "早速", "即座", "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..
- 早速 (さっそく (sassoku) - Level: N3): Maps to "immediately, right away, without delay" and is used when Used to express that an action is taken quickly after an event or decision, or without hesitation. It often implies responding promptly to an opportunity or situation..
- 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〜」..
- 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 "早速"
新しい店がオープンしたので、早速行ってみました。
Since the new store opened, I immediately went to check it out.
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 "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.".