Meaning and Usage
"즉시" means "immediately" or "at once" and is used to express that something happens without delay. It is a formal adverb often used in written and spoken Korean to emphasize promptness.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "즉시" in instructions, warnings, or urgent situations where quick action is required, such as medical emergencies, business communications, or safety guidelines.
Collocations and Patterns
- "즉시 연락하다": to contact immediately — used when prompt communication is necessary.
- "즉시 시작하다": to start immediately — common in formal or professional contexts.
- "즉시 행동하다": to act immediately — emphasizes quick response.
Register and Politeness
"즉시" is neutral in politeness but tends to appear in more formal or official contexts rather than casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "즉시" with "곧" (soon). Remember, "즉시" means without any delay, while "곧" implies something will happen shortly but not instantly.