Meaning and Usage
"即座に" (そくざに) means "immediately" or "right away." It is used to describe actions or responses that happen without delay, often in urgent or important situations.
Common Contexts
You will often see "即座に" used in formal or written Japanese, such as business or official communication, but it is also common in everyday conversation when emphasizing quick reactions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 即座に答える: to answer immediately
- 即座に対応する: to respond immediately
- 即座に決断する: to make a decision right away
These collocations highlight quick mental or physical responses.
Nuances
Using "即座に" implies a promptness that is almost instantaneous. It is stronger than just "すぐに" (soon) because it stresses no hesitation or delay.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "即座に" with "すぐに." While both mean "immediately," "即座に" is more formal and emphasizes an instant reaction, often in critical contexts. Use "即座に" when you want to stress the immediacy and decisiveness of the action.