1.
immediate reply, instant answer
Answering a question or request right away without hesitation or delay.
即答できない。
I can't answer right away.
「はい」と即答した。
He immediately replied "yes."
難しい質問だったので即答は避けた。
It was a difficult question, so I avoided giving an immediate answer.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 即答する (reply immediately)
- 即答できない (unable to answer right away)
- 即答を避ける (avoid giving an immediate answer)
USAGE NOTES:
即答できない is a polite way of declining to answer on the spot, often used in business situations. It implies the speaker needs time to think or consult before responding. The negative form is more common than the affirmative in conversation, as giving an immediate answer is the default and doesn't need to be highlighted.