すぐ

すぐ has three main meanings: immediately (time), easily (manner), and right nearby (distance).

Usage

1. Immediately: すぐ行(い)きます (I'll go right away)
2. Easily: すぐ怒(おこ)る (gets angry easily)
3. Nearby: すぐそこ (right there)
When meaning "easily," すぐ appears with verbs describing tendencies or habits: すぐ泣(な)く (cries easily), すぐ忘(わす)れる (forgets easily). In this sense it usually carries a note of mild criticism or complaint — the speaker finds the tendency excessive.

すぐ vs. すぐに:
Both work before a verb and the difference is slight, with すぐに sounding a little more deliberate. Before a place word, though, only bare すぐ is used: すぐ近(ちか)く, すぐ後(うし)ろ.

Common expressions

• すぐに: more emphatic form of "immediately"
• すぐ近(ちか)く: very nearby
• すぐ後(あと)で: right after
• すぐ前(まえ)に: right in front of
• すぐそこ: right there (very close)

Similar words

• もうすぐ: "very soon," about something still ahead — it does not mean "at once"
• 早速(さっそく): promptly, with a sense of eagerness to act
• 直(ただ)ちに: immediately; stiff and formal, common in announcements and orders