French word

sur-le-champ

Pronunciation

IPA/syʁləʃɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbimmediately

Example

Je m'en occupe sur-le-champ.

I'll take care of it immediately.

Illustration for sur-le-champ (immediately)

More examples

Partons sur-le-champ.

Let's leave immediately.

Core concept

An action carried out on the spot, before any delay or change in circumstances.

Common phrases

  • partir sur-le-champ

    leave immediately

  • appeler sur-le-champ

    call immediately

  • commencer sur-le-champ

    start immediately

Similar words

tout de suite: Straightaway, without pausing, as a common everyday expression.
maintenant: Now, referring to the present moment or ongoing situation.
immédiatement: Without delay, using a relatively formal expression.

Definition in French

S'utilise pour signifier qu'une action a lieu sur le moment, immédiatement et sans délai.

Word origin

Sur-le-champ combines sur, le, and champ, literally 'on the field'; this spatial phrase developed an adverbial sense of immediate action.

Usage tips

  • Sur-le-champ often sounds more formal or emphatic than immédiatement in everyday conversation.

Opposites

  • plus tardlateradverb

Word lists with this word