1.
at once, immediately, right away, promptly
Indicates that an action is taken without delay, often in response to something.
早速始めましょう。
Let's get started right away.
メールを受け取って早速返事した。
I received the email and replied immediately.
新しいレシピを早速試してみた。
I tried out the new recipe right away.
早速 conveys acting promptly, often in eager response to new information or an opportunity. It carries a positive nuance of enthusiasm, not just speed.
POSITION:
Typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or directly before the verb.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 早速ですが…: Getting right to the point... (polite transition in business)
- 早速試す: to try right away
- 早速使ってみる: to try using it right away
SIMILAR WORDS:
- すぐに: immediately (neutral, no eagerness nuance)
- 直ちに: immediately (formal, urgent)
- 即座に: instantly (no delay at all)
NOTE:
早速 implies willing, eager action. It would sound odd for reluctant or forced immediate action.