Translation guide
The English adverb 'instantly' means immediately, without any delay. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, phrases, and grammatical patterns that emphasize immediacy. The most common and versatile equivalent is すぐに (sugu ni), but other options convey nuances like 'at that moment,' 'as soon as,' or 'in the blink of an eye.'
To say that something happens right away, with no time in between.
The most common and versatile way to say 'instantly' or 'immediately.' It can be used in most contexts, from casual to formal.
He replied instantly.
Let's leave instantly.
Literally 'on the spot,' this adverb emphasizes an immediate reaction or response, often used in formal or written contexts.
He agreed instantly.
Conveys that something happens in an instant, often with a sense of suddenness or rapid change. Common in narratives.
The sky instantly grew dark.
Means 'in a flash' or 'instantaneously.' Often used in technical or descriptive contexts to emphasize speed.
The data is processed instantly.
To express that one action occurs immediately after another, often using a conjunction or pattern.
Attach to the dictionary form of a verb to mean 'as soon as ~, instantly ~.' Very common in speech and writing.
As soon as I got home, I instantly started my homework.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'as soon as ~.' More formal than 〜とすぐに, often used in business or official contexts.
A literary pattern meaning 'no sooner than ~.' Used in written narratives to emphasize immediate succession.
To emphasize that something happens so quickly it feels instantaneous, often with a dramatic or figurative tone.
Literally 'in the time it takes to say "ah",' this is a very common, slightly casual phrase meaning 'in no time' or 'before you know it.'
He finished eating instantly.
Literally 'in the blink of an eye,' this phrase is more literary and emphasizes the fleeting nature of the moment.
Means 'in an instant.' Can be used in both casual and formal settings, often with a sense of speed.
I understood instantly.
すぐに is the default for 'immediately' in everyday speech. 即座に implies an immediate reaction or decision, often in formal contexts. たちまち suggests a sudden, often dramatic change and is common in storytelling.
Please come instantly.
He responded instantly.
He instantly became popular.
English 'instantly' is often used hyperbolically (e.g., 'I'll be there instantly'). In Japanese, using すぐに is natural, but overusing emphatic words like 瞬時に can sound unnatural in casual speech. Stick to すぐに unless you need a specific nuance.
The pain disappeared instantly.
She recognized him instantly.
We will leave instantly once preparations are complete.
The instant he saw it, he ran away.
The scenery changed instantly.