Japanese word

即座に

Pronunciation

Romajisokuzani

Meaning

  • adverbimmediately

Example

彼は質問に即座に答えました。kare wa shitsu mon ni soku za ni kota e ma shi ta

He answered the question immediately.

Illustration for 即座に (immediately)

More examples

その知らせを聞いた彼女は、即座に家族へ連絡しました。so no shi ra se o ki i ta kano jo wa soku za ni ka zoku e ren raku shi ma shi ta

After hearing the news, she immediately contacted her family.

Core concept

Marks an action as happening without any delay, often as a direct response to an event or request.

Common phrases

  • 即座に行動するsoku za ni kō dō su ru

    act immediately

  • 即座に決めるsoku za ni ki me ru

    decide immediately

  • 即座に返事をするsoku za ni hen ji o su ru

    reply immediately

Similar words

すぐにsuguni: Describes an action that takes place immediately or very soon.
直ちにtadachini: Describes an action that takes place at once, especially in formal situations.
即刻sokkoku: Describes an action that takes place at once with a strong formal tone.

Definition in Japanese

時間を置かず、すぐに行動や反応をするさま。ji kan o o ka zu su gu ni kō dō ya han nō o su ru sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese term 即座 (sokuza) combines 即 (soku, "immediate") and 座 (za, "seat or place"); に (ni) makes it adverbial.

Usage tips

  • In English, on the spot can mean immediately or at a particular location, while 即座に (sokuza ni) has the adverbial meaning of immediate action.

Other meanings

  • on the spotadverb

Word lists with this word