Usage of 立即
The adverb 立即 means "immediately" or "at once" and is used to express promptness or urgency. It is often found in formal or written contexts such as instructions, official announcements, or urgent requests.
Common Collocations
- 立即回复 (immediately reply): used in emails or messages to request a quick response.
- 立即行动 (immediately take action): emphasizes prompt response to a situation.
- 立即报警 (immediately call the police): used in emergency contexts.
Nuances
Using 立即 implies no delay and a sense of urgency. It is stronger and more formal than just 现在 (now) or 马上 (right away). It often appears in commands or advice where immediate response is critical.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 立即 with 马上; while both mean "immediately," 马上 is more colloquial and common in spoken language, whereas 立即 is more formal and often used in writing or official speech.