Translation guide
The English adverb 'promptly' generally means doing something quickly, without delay, or exactly on time. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you are emphasizing speed, punctuality, or immediate action. This guide covers the most natural ways to express these nuances.
Expressing that an action is done right away, without hesitation or waiting.
The most common and versatile way to say 'immediately' or 'right away'. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
すぐに戻ります。
I'll be back promptly.
問題が発生したら、すぐに報告してください。
If a problem occurs, please report it promptly.
A more formal and emphatic 'immediately', often used in official announcements, instructions, or warnings.
直ちに避難してください。
Please evacuate promptly.
Implies doing something promptly and willingly, often with a sense of 'without losing time' or 'right after something else'. Common in business and daily conversation.
ご注文いただいた商品を早速発送いたしました。
We promptly shipped the item you ordered.
新しいレストランの話を聞いて、早速行ってみた。
Hearing about the new restaurant, I promptly went to try it.
Emphasizing that something happens at the scheduled or expected time, not late.
Literally 'on time'. The standard way to say that something happens exactly when scheduled.
会議は時間通りに始まった。
The meeting started promptly.
電車は時間通りに到着した。
The train arrived promptly.
A formal term meaning 'at the appointed time'. Used for schedules, transportation, and official events.
式典は定刻に執り行われた。
The ceremony was held promptly at the scheduled time.
Focusing on the speed of the action itself, not just the lack of delay.
Means 'quickly' or 'swiftly', emphasizing agile movement or fast response. Often used for physical actions or mental reactions.
彼は質問に素早く答えた。
He answered the question promptly.
A formal word meaning 'rapidly' or 'speedily'. Common in business, news, and official contexts.
迅速な対応ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your prompt response.
Means doing something quickly and efficiently, often with one's hands. Implies skill and no wasted motion.
彼女は手早く料理を準備した。
She promptly prepared the meal.
すぐに is the most general and can be used in almost any situation. 直ちに is stronger and more formal, often used in emergencies or official commands. 早速 carries a nuance of eagerness or taking the first opportunity, and is common in business when acting on a request or information.
すぐに来てください。
Please come promptly. (neutral)
直ちに来てください。
Please come immediately. (urgent/formal)
ご連絡ありがとうございます。早速ですが、本題に入ります。
Thank you for contacting us. Without delay, let's get to the main topic.
In many cases, English 'promptly' is used to soften a request or add politeness (e.g., 'Please reply promptly'). In Japanese, politeness is often conveyed through verb forms and honorifics rather than adverbs. Overusing すぐに or 直ちに can sound blunt. Consider using お早めに (おはやめに) for polite requests, or simply using てください with an appropriate level of keigo.
お早めにご返信いただけますと幸いです。
We would appreciate it if you could reply promptly.
Thank you for contacting us. Without delay, let's get to the main topic.
In many cases, English 'promptly' is used to soften a request or add politeness (e.g., 'Please reply promptly'). In Japanese, politeness is often conveyed through verb forms and honorifics rather than adverbs. Overusing すぐに or 直ちに can sound blunt. Consider using お早めに (おはやめに) for polite requests, or simply using てください with an appropriate level of keigo.
お早めにご返信いただけますと幸いです。
We would appreciate it if you could reply promptly.