Usage of 立刻
立刻 means 'immediately' or 'at once' and is used to express that an action happens without any delay. It is often used in formal and informal contexts when urgency is emphasized.
Common Collocations
- 立刻完成 (complete immediately): used when a task must be done without delay.
- 立刻报警 (call the police immediately): used in emergencies.
- 立刻行动 (take action immediately): emphasizes prompt response.
Notes
立刻 is stronger and more formal than just 现在 (now) or 马上 (right away). It often appears in commands or urgent requests. Avoid confusing it with 稍后 (later) or 以后 (afterwards), which indicate delay.
Register and Tone
It is neutral in tone but leans toward formal or serious situations. It is less casual than 马上 but more direct than 立即, which is often used in written language.