Usage of 当即
当即 is an adverb meaning "immediately" or "at once," often used to emphasize prompt action taken right at the moment something happens. It is more formal and literary than just saying 立刻 or 马上.
Common contexts
It frequently appears in written or formal spoken Chinese, especially in reports, narratives, or official statements where the immediacy of a response or action is highlighted.
Collocations and patterns
- 当即答应 (immediately agree): used when someone agrees without hesitation.
- 当即采取措施 (immediately take measures): emphasizes prompt response to a problem.
- 当即离开 (leave immediately): stresses leaving without delay.
Nuance and register
Using 当即 conveys a sense of decisiveness and urgency. It is less casual than 马上 and often found in formal or written contexts. Avoid using it in very casual daily conversations where simpler words like 立刻 or 马上 are preferred.
Common confusion
Do not confuse 当即 with 当时 (at that time). 当即 stresses immediate action, while 当时 refers to a point in time without necessarily implying promptness.