Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "即刻", "至急", "いちはやく", "言下", "直ちに"
All represent the core concept "immediately", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
即刻
そっこく (sokkoku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
至急
しきゅう (shikyuu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
いちはやく
いちはやく (ichihayaku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / 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 "即刻", "至急", "いちはやく", "言下", "直ちに" based on context.
- 即刻 (そっこく (sokkoku) - Level: N2): Maps to "immediately, instantly, promptly" and is used when Stronger than 「すぐに」.
- 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.
- 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 "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 "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.
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: "問題が発生したら、 ＿＿＿ 上司に報告してください。" (Meaning: "If a problem occurs, please report it to your boss immediately.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "即刻" is correct here because it represents "immediately, instantly, promptly" in the context: "If a problem occurs, please report it to your boss immediately.".