すぐ
Meanings
immediately; at once; right away
Describes an action happening without delay, often in response to a trigger.
Please answer the phone immediately when it rings.
He washed his hands as soon as he got home.
Indicates that something will happen in the near future, not necessarily instantly.
Spring will be here soon, won't it?
The rain will probably stop shortly.
easily; readily; without difficulty
Used when something happens with little effort or resistance; often with potential verbs or negative expressions.
This problem can be solved easily.
He readily forgets people's names.
right (near); nearby; just (handy)
Describes physical proximity; often used with そこ, ここ, or すぐそこ.
The station is right over there.
There is a convenience store nearby.
honest; upright; frank; straightforward
Describes a person's character as direct and without deceit; often used as すぐな (na-adjective).
He has an honest character and never lies.
The more straightforward a person is, the more they are trusted.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉をすぐにするto do something right away
Do your homework right away.
- 〈物〉がすぐ来るsomething will come/arrive soon
The train will come soon.
- すぐ〈動詞〉できるto be able to do something easily/without difficulty
You can memorize this kanji easily.
- すぐそこに〈物〉があるsomething is right there, very close by
The station is right there, very close.
- すぐ〈人〉に聞くto readily/easily ask someone (without hesitation)
If I don't understand something, I ask the teacher right away.