1.
immediately, right away, at once
Without delay or very soon.
すぐに has two core meanings: immediately (time) and right there (proximity/distance).
TIME (immediately):
PROXIMITY (nearby):
Variant
すぐ can be used without に with the same meaning. すぐに is slightly more emphatic.
Similar words
- 直ちに: immediately (formal, often used in announcements and official contexts)
- 今すぐ: right now (more urgent than すぐに)
- もうすぐ: soon, shortly (indicates something is about to happen, NOT immediate)
- さっそく: promptly, without delay (implies willingness or eagerness)
Watch out
もうすぐ means "soon" (in the near future), while すぐに means "immediately" (without delay). These are not interchangeable.
Related Words
Related:
すぐ
Compare:
直ちに
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もうすぐ
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今すぐ (right now)
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早速 (promptly, without delay)
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すると (then, thereupon)
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たちまち (instantly)
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即刻 (immediately)
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即時 (immediate)
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早急に (urgently)