Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "すぐ", "さっそく", "言下", "直ちに"
All represent the core concept "immediately", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
すぐ
すぐ (sugu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
さっそく
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
直ちに
ただちに (tadachini)
B2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "immediately" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "すぐ", "さっそく", "言下", "直ちに" based on context.
- すぐ (すぐ (sugu) - Level: N4): Maps to "immediately, soon, right away" and is used when An adverb indicating that something will happen quickly or without delay, or is in close proximity..
- 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..
- 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.
- 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 "すぐ"
彼はすぐにここに来ます。
He will come here right away.
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 "言下"
彼は言下に参加を断った。
He refused to participate on the spot.
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: "彼は ＿＿＿ にここに来ます。" (Meaning: "He will come here right away.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "すぐ" is correct here because it represents "immediately, soon, right away" in the context: "He will come here right away.".