Japanese word

即座

Pronunciation

Romajisokuza

Meaning

  • nounimmediately

Example

先生の質問に即座に答えます。sen sei no shitsu mon ni soku za ni kota e ma su

I answer the teacher's question immediately.

Illustration for 即座 (immediately)

More examples

予想外の事態にも、彼は即座に対応できます。yo sō gai no ji tai ni mo kare wa soku za ni tai ō de ki ma su

Even in unexpected situations, he can respond immediately.

Core concept

It presents an action as happening at once, with no intervening delay.

Common phrases

  • 即座に答えるsoku za ni kota e ru

    answer immediately

  • 即座に対応するsoku za ni tai ō su ru

    respond immediately

  • 即座に行動するsoku za ni kō dō su ru

    act immediately

Similar words

すぐsugu: It marks an action as happening without delay in casual, everyday language.
即刻sokkoku: It marks an action as taking place immediately, often in formal or forceful language.
早速sassoku: It marks an action as beginning or occurring promptly after a decision, request, or event.
直ちにtadachini: It indicates that an action occurs immediately, often with a formal or urgent tone.

Definition in Japanese

時間を置かず、その場ですぐに物事を行うこと。ji kan o o ka zu so no ba de su gu ni mono goto o okona u ko to

Word origin

即座 (sokuza) combines 即 (soku, "at once") and 座 (za, "seat or place"), giving the sense of acting at the place and moment at hand.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 即座に (sokuza ni) sounds more formal and forceful than すぐに (sugu ni), so it often describes a prompt response rather than a routine next step.

Other meanings

  • on the spotnoun

Word lists with this word