Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "早速", "即座", "即刻", "言下"
All represent the core concept "immediately", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
早速
さっそく (sassoku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
即座
そくざ (sokuza)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
即刻
そっこく (sokkoku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
言下
げんか (genka)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "immediately" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "早速", "即座", "即刻", "言下" based on context.
- 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〜」..
- 即刻 (そっこく (sokkoku) - Level: N2): Maps to "immediately, instantly, promptly" and is used when Stronger than 「すぐに」.
- 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 "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 "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 "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: "新しい店がオープンしたので、 ＿＿＿ 行ってみました。" (Meaning: "Since the new store opened, I immediately went to check it out.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "早速" is correct here because it represents "immediately, right away, without delay" in the context: "Since the new store opened, I immediately went to check it out.".