Translation guide
How to express that something happens immediately, without delay, or in a very short time.
The action occurs right away, with no gap in time.
The most common and neutral way to say 'immediately' or 'right away'. Works in most contexts.
I'll be back in an instant.
He replied in an instant.
Emphasizes instantaneous reaction, often used in formal or written contexts.
He made a decision in an instant.
Describes something happening quickly and often unexpectedly, like a sudden change. Common in narratives.
The sky darkened in an instant.
Literally 'in a blink', emphasizes extreme speed. Often used in technical or dramatic descriptions.
The computer processes data in an instant.
The action will happen soon, within moments.
Means 'soon' or 'in a moment'. Very common in everyday speech.
We'll arrive in an instant.
Polite and formal way to say 'shortly' or 'in a moment'. Often used in announcements.
Literally 'in the time it takes to say ah', meaning 'in the blink of an eye'. Casual and vivid.
One action follows another immediately.
Pattern: Verb (dictionary form) + とすぐに. Means 'as soon as ~, immediately'.
As soon as I got home, it started raining in an instant.
Formal/literary pattern: Verb (dictionary form) + や否や. Emphasizes immediate succession.
すぐに is the safest choice for 'immediately' in daily conversation. 即座に implies a reflexive, instant reaction and is more formal. たちまち is used for sudden changes in state, often with a sense of surprise.
Please come right away.
He responded instantly.
The fire spread in an instant.
間もなく電車が参ります。
The train will arrive in an instant.
He finished eating in an instant.
The moment he saw it, he ran away in an instant.