immediatamente en 30 segundos
- Means 'immediately' or 'instantly'.
- Used for actions with no delay.
- Emphasizes promptness and urgency.
- Common in commands and urgent situations.
The Italian adverb immediatamente is a very common and useful word. It translates directly to "immediately," "at once," or "instantly" in English. You use it to indicate that something should happen or happened without any delay whatsoever.
- Core Meaning
- Without any delay; right away.
- Usage Contexts
- It's employed in a wide range of situations, from urgent commands to describing rapid events. Whether you're in a formal business meeting, a casual conversation with friends, or reading instructions, you'll encounter immediatamente. It emphasizes the swiftness and lack of procrastination associated with an action.
- Examples in Action
- Imagine a doctor telling a nurse, "Porta il paziente in sala operatoria immediatamente." (Take the patient to the operating room immediately.) Or a parent calling to their child, "Vieni qui immediatamente!" (Come here immediately!). It can also describe something that happened without thinking, like "Ha capito la situazione immediatamente." (He understood the situation immediately.)
La polizia è arrivata sul posto immediatamente.
The word immediatamente is crucial for conveying urgency and a lack of delay. It's a staple in everyday Italian and signals that an action is to be performed without any hesitation or waiting period. Its directness makes it a powerful tool in communication, ensuring that the message of promptness is clearly understood. Think of it as the Italian equivalent of a "drop everything and do this now" kind of instruction or observation.
Consider the difference between saying "Vieni qui" (Come here) and "Vieni qui immediatamente." The latter implies a much higher degree of urgency and that the request should be fulfilled as soon as the words are spoken. This adverb is not just about speed; it's about the absence of any intervening time or action. It's about the direct transition from instruction to execution, or from cause to effect. When you want to stress that something needs to be done without a moment's pause, immediatamente is your go-to word.
In a professional setting, using immediatamente can be essential for time-sensitive tasks. For example, a manager might say, "Dobbiamo rispondere a questa email immediatamente" (We must reply to this email immediately) to ensure a client receives a prompt response. In emergency situations, it's even more critical. "Chiama i soccorsi immediatamente!" (Call for help immediately!) is a command that leaves no room for delay. The word's inherent meaning of no delay makes it perfectly suited for these high-stakes scenarios where every second counts.
Even in more mundane situations, immediatamente adds a layer of emphasis. If you ask a friend to pass you the salt, you might just say "Passami il sale." But if you're in a rush to season your food, you could say "Passami il sale immediatamente!" It signals your eagerness and the desire for a very quick action. Understanding the nuances of when to use such an adverb helps you communicate with greater precision and impact in Italian.
The adverb immediatamente is derived from the Latin word "immediatus," meaning "without anything intervening." This etymology perfectly captures its essence: an action that follows directly, without any intermediate steps or delays. It's a powerful word that signifies directness and promptness in both action and understanding. When you hear or use immediatamente, think of a direct line from start to finish, with no detours or pauses.
Immediatamente is an adverb, which means it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Its placement in a sentence is quite flexible, but it most commonly appears after the verb it modifies or at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis.
- Placement with Verbs
- The most natural position for immediatamente is often right after the main verb it describes. This provides a clear and direct connection between the action and its promptness.
- Emphasis at the Beginning
- Placing immediatamente at the start of a sentence can create a strong sense of urgency or highlight the immediate nature of the entire statement.
- Emphasis at the End
- Putting immediatamente at the end of a sentence can also serve to emphasize the promptness of the action described.
- With Compound Verbs
- When using auxiliary verbs like 'avere' or 'essere' with past participles, immediatamente can be placed between the auxiliary and the participle, or after the participle.
- In Commands (Imperative)
- In imperative sentences, immediatamente strongly reinforces the command for prompt action.
- Modifying Adjectives/Adverbs
- While less common, immediatamente can sometimes be used to intensify an adjective or another adverb, though this usage is more stylistic.
Devo partire immediatamente.
Il dottore ha visitato il paziente immediatamente.
Immediatamente, chiudi quella finestra!
Immediatamente, ho capito che c'era un problema.
Il pacco è arrivato immediatamente dopo l'ordine.
Mi hai chiesto aiuto e ti ho risposto immediatamente.
Ho immediatamente capito la sua intenzione.
Ho capito immediatamente la sua intenzione.
Smettila immediatamente!
Rispondi immediatamente alla mia domanda.
La sua reazione è stata immediatamente ostile.
You will hear immediatamente in virtually every aspect of Italian life, from the most urgent situations to everyday conversations. Its pervasive use makes it a fundamental adverb for any Italian learner.
- Emergency Services and Instructions
- In critical situations, this word is paramount. Emergency operators, police, firefighters, and medical professionals will use it to convey the utmost urgency. Think of commands like "Spostati immediatamente!" (Move immediately!) or "Segui le istruzioni immediatamente." (Follow the instructions immediately.). Public announcements in airports or train stations might also use it for urgent directives.
- Workplace and Business
- In professional environments, immediatamente is used to assign urgent tasks or to describe the rapid processing of information. A boss might say, "Ho bisogno di quel report immediatamente." (I need that report immediately.) or "Abbiamo ricevuto la tua richiesta e ti risponderemo immediatamente." (We have received your request and will respond to you immediately.). It's common in customer service to assure a quick resolution.
- Family and Personal Life
- Parents often use immediatamente with their children to enforce rules or call them for immediate attention. "Vieni a tavola immediatamente!" (Come to the table immediately!) or "Smettila di fare rumore immediatamente!" (Stop making noise immediately!). Friends might use it in a more lighthearted way, like "Ti chiamo immediatamente dopo!" (I'll call you immediately after!).
- Media and News
- News reports, especially breaking news, will frequently use immediatamente to describe the swift response to an event. For example, "Le autorità sono intervenute immediatamente." (The authorities intervened immediately.).
- Everyday Transactions
- Even in simple transactions, it can be used. A shopkeeper might say, "Le preparo il conto immediatamente." (I'll prepare your bill immediately.). Or when asking for something, "Mi porti subito un bicchiere d'acqua, per favore, ho molta sete." The word "subito" is a very common synonym here, but "immediatamente" is also perfectly applicable and perhaps slightly more formal.
Il personale di sicurezza ti chiederà di evacuare immediatamente.
La tua email è stata inoltrata al reparto competente e verrà gestita immediatamente.
Ho finito di leggere il libro e l'ho passato immediatamente a mio fratello.
L'incendio è stato domato quasi immediatamente grazie all'intervento rapido.
While immediatamente is straightforward, learners can sometimes misuse it or confuse it with similar words. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Confusing with 'Subito'
- 'Subito' is a very close synonym and often interchangeable with immediatamente. However, 'subito' can sometimes imply a slightly less intense urgency, or simply "right away" without necessarily the absolute "no delay" feeling of immediatamente. Overusing immediatamente in very casual contexts where 'subito' would suffice might sound a bit too formal or emphatic. For example, while "Ti chiamo subito" is very common, "Ti chiamo immediatamente" is also correct but might sound slightly more serious.
- Incorrect Placement
- As mentioned, placement is flexible, but some positions sound unnatural. Placing it too far from the verb it modifies can make the sentence awkward. For instance, "Ho pensato immediatamente a te" is correct, but "Ho pensato a te immediatamente" might sound slightly less natural in some contexts, though still understandable. Avoid placing it before auxiliary verbs if it disrupts the flow, like "Immediatamente ho lavorato" when "Ho lavorato immediatamente" or "Ho immediatamente lavorato" would be more common.
- Overuse in Non-Urgent Situations
- While it emphasizes speed, using immediatamente for every simple action can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. For example, if you're just asking someone to pass the salt, "Passami il sale" is perfectly fine. Saying "Passami il sale immediatamente!" might sound like you're in a dire emergency. Reserve it for situations where promptness is genuinely important.
- Misunderstanding the Degree of Urgency
- The word implies an action without any delay. Using it when there's an expected or acceptable waiting period can be confusing. For example, if you ask a friend to meet you "immediatamente" and they show up in 5 minutes, they might think they were late, when you simply meant "soon" or "very shortly." It's best to use it when you truly mean "without any pause." Other adverbs like 'presto' (soon) or 'tra poco' (in a little while) are better for less urgent timeframes.
Mistake: Ti aiuterò subito.
Awkward: Ho immediatamente pensato a questo.
Overused: Voglio una fetta di torta immediatamente!
While immediatamente is a powerful word for conveying instant action, Italian offers several other adverbs that express similar concepts, each with slight nuances in meaning and register.
- Subito
- This is the most common and direct synonym for immediatamente. It means "immediately," "right away," or "at once." It is widely used in both formal and informal contexts and is often interchangeable with immediatamente. However, immediatamente might sometimes carry a slightly stronger sense of absolute, no-delay urgency, whereas 'subito' can also simply mean "very soon" or "without much delay."
Example Comparison:
Ho bisogno di aiuto immediatamente. (I need help immediately - implies extreme urgency)
Ho bisogno di aiuto subito. (I need help right away - still urgent, but perhaps slightly less intense) - All'istante
- Literally "at the instant," this phrase emphasizes the instantaneous nature of an event, often suggesting something that happens in a flash or without any perceptible delay. It's often used for reactions or sudden occurrences.
Example Comparison:
La sua espressione cambiò all'istante. (His expression changed instantly - emphasizes the suddenness)
La sua espressione cambiò immediatamente. (His expression changed immediately - still correct, but 'all'istante' highlights the flash-like change more) - Sul momento
- This phrase means "at the moment," "on the spot," or "then and there." It refers to something that happened or was decided at the specific time an event occurred, without prior planning or delay. It's often used for spontaneous decisions or actions.
Example Comparison:
Ho deciso sul momento di partire. (I decided on the spot to leave - emphasizes spontaneity)
Ho deciso immediatamente di partire. (I decided immediately to leave - emphasizes the speed of the decision) - Senza indugio
- Meaning "without delay" or "without hesitation," this phrase is more formal than 'subito' and often used in official contexts or when emphasizing a lack of pause or thought before acting. It's a good alternative for immediatamente when you want a slightly more elevated tone.
Example Comparison:
Ha risposto senza indugio. (He responded without delay/hesitation - emphasizes the lack of pause)
Ha risposto immediatamente. (He responded immediately - more direct) - Ora
- While 'ora' primarily means "now," in certain contexts, especially in commands, it can imply immediate action. For example, "Vieni qui ora!" is very similar to "Vieni qui immediatamente!" However, 'ora' is less specific about the *instantaneous* nature and more about the present moment. It's generally less emphatic than immediatamente.
Example Comparison:
Fallo ora! (Do it now! - command for present action)
Fallo immediatamente! (Do it immediately! - command for action without any delay) - Senza aspettare
- Meaning "without waiting," this phrase directly conveys the idea of not pausing. It's similar to 'senza indugio' but perhaps a bit more common in everyday speech. It emphasizes the absence of a waiting period.
Example Comparison:
Partiremo senza aspettare il resto del gruppo. (We will leave without waiting for the rest of the group - emphasizes not pausing)
Partiremo immediatamente. (We will leave immediately - more general promptness)
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The concept of 'immediacy' is crucial in many fields, from physics (instantaneous action at a distance, though largely disproven) to philosophy (immediate experience vs. mediated knowledge) and even in the digital age, where 'real-time' communication aims for a form of immediacy. The Italian word immediatamente encapsulates this fundamental human desire for promptness and directness.
Guía de pronunciación
- Misplacing the stress: Italian stress is often on the penultimate syllable, but for words ending in -mente, it's on the syllable before the -mente suffix.
- Pronouncing the 'i' as 'ih': The initial 'i' should be a clear 'ee' sound.
- Making the final 'e' too long: The final 'e' is typically short.
Nivel de dificultad
While the word itself is simple, understanding its nuanced usage and avoiding common mistakes requires careful attention to context. Learners may initially over or underuse it.
Correct placement and appropriate register are key. Overuse or misuse can make writing sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but using it naturally in conversation requires practice to match the urgency to the situation.
The word is very common and often pronounced clearly, making it relatively easy to identify.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Adverb Placement
Adverbs like 'immediatamente' can often be placed after the verb, before the verb, or at the end of the sentence for emphasis. Example: 'Ho capito immediatamente.' vs. 'Ho immediatamente capito.'
Imperative Mood
When giving commands, 'immediatamente' strongly reinforces the urgency. Example: 'Vieni qui immediatamente!'
Compound Tenses (Passato Prossimo, etc.)
In compound tenses, 'immediatamente' can often be placed between the auxiliary verb and the past participle, or after the past participle. Example: 'Ho immediatamente risposto.' or 'Ho risposto immediatamente.'
Subjunctive Mood with Urgency
Phrases expressing necessity or urgency often trigger the subjunctive, and 'immediatamente' can be used to emphasize this. Example: 'È necessario che tu parta immediatamente.'
Adverbial Phrases
'Immediatamente' functions as a single adverb, but it's part of a family of adverbs and adverbial phrases expressing time and speed, such as 'subito', 'all'istante', 'senza indugio'.
Ejemplos por nivel
Vieni qui immediatamente!
Come here immediately!
Imperative verb + adverb of time.
Aiuto immediatamente!
Help immediately!
Exclamation with adverb.
Ho fame immediatamente.
I am hungry immediately.
Adjective + adverb of time.
Ho sete immediatamente.
I am thirsty immediately.
Adjective + adverb of time.
Fa freddo immediatamente.
It is cold immediately.
Adjective + adverb of time.
Fa caldo immediatamente.
It is hot immediately.
Adjective + adverb of time.
Sono stanco immediatamente.
I am tired immediately.
Adjective + adverb of time.
Sono felice immediatamente.
I am happy immediately.
Adjective + adverb of time.
Ho bisogno di un dottore immediatamente.
I need a doctor immediately.
Noun phrase + adverb of time.
La polizia è arrivata immediatamente.
The police arrived immediately.
Subject + verb + adverb of time.
Devo andare a casa immediatamente.
I must go home immediately.
Modal verb + infinitive + adverb of time.
Per favore, chiudi la porta immediatamente.
Please close the door immediately.
Polite request + verb + adverb of time.
Il treno parte immediatamente.
The train departs immediately.
Subject + verb + adverb of time.
Ho capito tutto immediatamente.
I understood everything immediately.
Verb + object + adverb of time.
Dobbiamo partire immediatamente.
We must leave immediately.
Modal verb + infinitive + adverb of time.
Il messaggio è arrivato immediatamente.
The message arrived immediately.
Subject + verb + adverb of time.
Il fuoco si è propagato molto rapidamente, ma i pompieri sono arrivati immediatamente.
The fire spread very quickly, but the firefighters arrived immediately.
Compound sentence with contrasting adverbs.
Ho ricevuto il tuo ordine e lo spediremo immediatamente.
I have received your order and we will ship it immediately.
Present perfect + future tense with adverb.
Se hai bisogno di qualcosa, chiamami immediatamente.
If you need anything, call me immediately.
Conditional clause + imperative verb + adverb.
La situazione era critica, quindi abbiamo dovuto agire immediatamente.
The situation was critical, so we had to act immediately.
Cause and effect with adverb.
Il dottore gli ha consigliato di riposare immediatamente.
The doctor advised him to rest immediately.
Reported speech with infinitive and adverb.
Abbiamo deciso di partire immediatamente per evitare il traffico.
We decided to leave immediately to avoid the traffic.
Infinitive phrase of purpose with adverb.
La sua risposta è stata immediata e inequivocabile.
His response was immediate and unequivocal.
Adjective phrase describing a noun.
Appena ho visto il pericolo, mi sono allontanato immediatamente.
As soon as I saw the danger, I moved away immediately.
Temporal clause + reflexive verb + adverb.
Le autorità hanno ordinato l'evacuazione immediata dell'area a causa del rischio imminente.
The authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of the area due to the imminent risk.
Noun phrase with adjective derived from adverb.
Non appena ho ricevuto la notizia, ho contattato immediatamente il mio avvocato.
As soon as I received the news, I contacted my lawyer immediately.
Temporal clause + verb + adverb.
Per garantire la sicurezza, è necessario che ogni membro del team risponda immediatamente alle comunicazioni.
To ensure safety, it is necessary that every team member responds immediately to communications.
Subjunctive clause with adverb.
La sua reazione è stata così rapida che quasi non ho avuto il tempo di registrarla.
His reaction was so quick that I almost didn't have time to register it.
Comparison of speed, implying immediacy.
Il sistema di allarme è stato attivato immediatamente dopo l'intrusione.
The alarm system was activated immediately after the intrusion.
Passive voice with adverb and temporal phrase.
Ci è stato chiesto di fornire tutti i documenti richiesti immediatamente.
We were asked to provide all requested documents immediately.
Passive voice with infinitive and adverb.
La decisione di chiudere l'azienda è stata presa quasi immediatamente.
The decision to close the company was made almost immediately.
Subject + passive verb + adverb.
È fondamentale che comprendiate l'urgenza della situazione e agiate di conseguenza.
It is fundamental that you understand the urgency of the situation and act accordingly.
Subjunctive clause emphasizing prompt action.
Di fronte a una crisi di tale portata, ogni esitazione sarebbe stata imperdonabile; pertanto, l'intervento è avvenuto immediatamente.
Faced with a crisis of such magnitude, any hesitation would have been unforgivable; therefore, intervention occurred immediately.
Complex sentence structure with adverb emphasizing inevitability.
La rapidità con cui il mercato ha reagito alla notizia suggerisce che gli investitori hanno compreso la gravità della situazione e agito quasi istantaneamente.
The speed with which the market reacted to the news suggests that investors understood the seriousness of the situation and acted almost instantaneously.
Adverb used to describe market reaction, implying immediate impact.
Non appena si è delineata la minaccia, le forze di sicurezza sono state mobilitate con una prontezza tale da definire il loro dispiegamento come quasi istantaneo.
As soon as the threat emerged, security forces were mobilized with such readiness as to define their deployment as almost instantaneous.
Adverb used in a descriptive phrase to emphasize speed.
Il protocollo di emergenza prevede che, in caso di allarme, tutte le procedure vengano attivate immediatamente e senza eccezioni.
The emergency protocol stipulates that, in case of alarm, all procedures must be activated immediately and without exception.
Formal language in a protocol, using adverb for strict compliance.
La risposta del pubblico alla campagna di raccolta fondi è stata così entusiasta che le donazioni sono arrivate quasi in tempo reale.
The public's response to the fundraising campaign was so enthusiastic that donations arrived almost in real-time.
Figurative use of 'real-time' to imply immediacy.
È imperativo che qualsiasi irregolarità venga segnalata e gestita immediatamente per prevenire complicazioni future.
It is imperative that any irregularity be reported and handled immediately to prevent future complications.
Formal imperative with adverb for strict protocol.
La velocità con cui il virus si diffonde impone una reazione immediata e coordinata a livello globale.
The speed with which the virus spreads requires an immediate and coordinated global reaction.
Adjective derived from adverb used to describe the required reaction.
Sebbene la soluzione non fosse ovvia, la necessità di agire senza indugio era evidente.
Although the solution was not obvious, the need to act without delay was evident.
Using a synonym ('senza indugio') to convey similar meaning in a formal context.
La sua perspicacia gli permise di cogliere l'essenza del problema e di proporre una soluzione quasi istantaneamente, anticipando le mosse dei suoi avversari.
His insight allowed him to grasp the essence of the problem and propose a solution almost instantaneously, anticipating his opponents' moves.
Sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structure, adverb emphasizes intellectual speed.
In un'epoca di comunicazione digitale ubiqua, l'aspettativa di una risposta immediata è diventata la norma, rendendo ogni ritardo fonte di frustrazione.
In an era of ubiquitous digital communication, the expectation of an immediate response has become the norm, making any delay a source of frustration.
Discussing societal trends and expectations of immediacy.
La rapidità di adattamento dell'organismo a nuovi stimoli è un fenomeno complesso che, in determinate circostanze, si manifesta con una reattività quasi fulminea.
The speed of the organism's adaptation to new stimuli is a complex phenomenon that, under certain circumstances, manifests with almost lightning-fast reactivity.
Scientific context, using adverb to describe biological processes.
Le implicazioni di una tale decisione si sarebbero manifestate quasi immediatamente, alterando drasticamente gli equilibri geopolitici.
The implications of such a decision would have manifested almost immediately, drastically altering the geopolitical balance.
Discussing far-reaching consequences with immediate effect.
La sua capacità di prendere decisioni ponderate sotto pressione era leggendaria; risolveva i problemi sul momento, senza mai mostrare un'ombra di dubbio.
His ability to make considered decisions under pressure was legendary; he solved problems on the spot, without ever showing a shadow of doubt.
Using a synonym ('sul momento') in a context that implies extreme immediacy and competence.
L'avvento delle tecnologie di intelligenza artificiale promette di rivoluzionare settori interi, automatizzando processi che fino a ieri richiedevano un intervento umano quasi istantaneo.
The advent of artificial intelligence technologies promises to revolutionize entire sectors, automating processes that until yesterday required almost instantaneous human intervention.
Discussing technological advancements and their impact on human intervention speed.
La risposta di emergenza è stata esemplare: ogni risorsa disponibile è stata dispiegata immediatamente, minimizzando i danni collaterali.
The emergency response was exemplary: every available resource was deployed immediately, minimizing collateral damage.
Praising a highly effective and prompt response.
In un mondo sempre più interconnesso, la velocità con cui le informazioni si propagano rende indispensabile una vigilanza costante e una reazione tempestiva.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the speed at which information spreads makes constant vigilance and a timely reaction indispensable.
Discussing the importance of prompt reactions in a fast-paced world.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To do something without any delay.
Devo fare questo lavoro immediatamente.
— To arrive without waiting.
Il pacco è arrivato immediatamente dopo l'ordine.
— To reply without delay.
È importante rispondere immediatamente alle richieste.
— To leave without any hesitation.
Ho ricevuto una chiamata urgente e devo partire immediatamente.
— To stop doing something right away.
Smettila immediatamente di fare quel rumore!
— To take action without delay.
In caso di emergenza, è necessario agire immediatamente.
— To understand something instantly.
Ho capito immediatamente il suo punto di vista.
— To close something without delay.
Il negozio chiuderà immediatamente dopo la chiusura.
— To intervene without delay.
La polizia è intervenuta immediatamente per sedare la rissa.
Se confunde a menudo con
'Subito' is a very close synonym, often interchangeable. 'Immediatamente' can sometimes carry a stronger sense of absolute, no-delay urgency, while 'subito' can also mean 'very soon' or 'right away'.
'Presto' means 'soon' or 'early'. It indicates a shorter waiting time than 'tardi' (late) but does not imply the same level of instantaneity as 'immediatamente'.
This is an antonym, meaning 'slowly'. It describes actions performed with minimal speed, the opposite of the promptness conveyed by 'immediatamente'.
Modismos y expresiones
— In the blink of an eye; very quickly, almost instantaneously. This idiom emphasizes extreme speed, similar to 'immediatamente' but more colloquial.
Ha risolto il problema in un batter d'occhio.
Informal— Without batting an eyelid; without showing any sign of distress or surprise, often implying a quick and unfazed reaction. While not directly about speed, it relates to an immediate, unhesitating response.
Ha accettato la sfida senza batter ciglio.
Neutral— On the fly; quickly, without much preparation or delay. Often used for tasks or decisions made rapidly.
Ho mangiato un panino al volo prima di andare al lavoro.
Informal— Out of the blue; suddenly and unexpectedly. While it emphasizes suddenness, it can also imply an immediate occurrence following an unexpected event.
Mi ha chiamato di punto in bianco per chiedermi un favore.
Informal— Love at first sight. This idiom refers to an immediate and intense romantic attraction.
È stato un colpo di fulmine quando l'ho vista.
Informal— In record time; extremely quickly. This phrase is used to highlight exceptional speed in completing a task.
Ha completato il progetto a tempo di record.
Neutral— To be ready at once or instantly. This phrase emphasizes immediate readiness.
Sono sempre pronto all'istante quando hai bisogno di me.
Neutral— A moment; a very short period of time. Often used to imply a quick action or wait.
Aspetta un attimo, torno subito.
Informal— Without wasting time; promptly. This is a direct way to express the idea of immediacy.
Dobbiamo iniziare senza perdere tempo.
Neutral— At a charging pace; very quickly and energetically. Often used to describe rapid movement or progress.
L'azienda sta crescendo a passo di carica.
NeutralFácil de confundir
Both words mean 'immediately' or 'right away'.
'Immediatamente' generally conveys a stronger sense of absolute, no-delay urgency and can sound more formal. 'Subito' is more versatile and can also mean 'very soon' or 'right away' in a less intense way. For example, 'Ho bisogno di aiuto immediatamente!' implies extreme urgency, whereas 'Ti chiamo subito!' is a common, less intense way to say 'I'll call you right away.'
Ho bisogno di aiuto <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>! (Extreme urgency) vs. Ti chiamo <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>subito</mark>. (Common, less intense)
Both describe actions that happen very quickly.
'All'istante' emphasizes the instantaneous, almost flash-like nature of an event, often used for reactions or sudden changes. 'Immediatamente' is more about the absence of any delay in performing an action or for something to occur. For instance, 'La sua espressione cambiò all'istante' highlights the suddenness of the change, while 'La polizia arrivò immediatamente' focuses on the lack of delay in their arrival.
La sua espressione cambiò <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>all'istante</mark>. (Emphasizes suddenness) vs. La polizia arrivò <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>. (Emphasizes lack of delay)
Both relate to time.
'Dopo' means 'after' or 'later,' indicating a delay or a subsequent event. 'Immediatamente' means 'immediately,' signifying an action that happens without any delay. They are direct opposites in terms of timing. 'Ci vediamo dopo' (See you later) implies a wait, while 'Ci vediamo immediatamente' (See you immediately) implies meeting without any pause.
Ci vediamo <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dopo</mark>. (Later) vs. Ci vediamo <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>. (Without any pause)
Both are adverbs describing how an action is performed.
'Lentamente' means 'slowly,' describing an action done with minimal speed. 'Immediatamente' means 'immediately,' describing an action done with maximum speed and no delay. They are antonyms. 'Ha camminato lentamente' (He walked slowly) is the opposite of 'Ha camminato immediatamente' (He walked immediately, implying he rushed).
Ha camminato <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>lentamente</mark>. (Slowly) vs. Ha risposto <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>. (Immediately)
Both are adverbs of time/manner.
'Gradualmente' means 'gradually,' describing a process that unfolds over time, step by step. 'Immediatamente' signifies an action that happens without any such progression or delay. 'Il livello dell'acqua è salito gradualmente' (The water level rose gradually) contrasts with 'Ha ricevuto il pagamento immediatamente' (He received the payment immediately).
Il livello dell'acqua è salito <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>gradualmente</mark>. (Step by step) vs. Ha ricevuto il pagamento <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>. (Without delay)
Patrones de oraciones
Subject + Verb + immediatamente.
Il treno parte <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>.
Imperative Verb + immediatamente!
Aiuto <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>!
Ho/Hai/Ha + immediatamente + Past Participle.
Ho <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark> capito.
Immediatamente + Verb (Imperative).
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Immediatamente</mark>, chiudi la porta!
Subject + si è + Verb + immediatamente.
Il sistema si è attivato <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>.
È necessario che + Subject + Subjunctive Verb + immediatamente.
È necessario che tu parta <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>.
Non appena + Subject + Verb, Subject + Verb + immediatamente.
Non appena ho visto il pericolo, mi sono allontanato <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>.
Sebbene + Clause, + Subject + Verb + immediatamente.
Sebbene fosse tardi, ha risposto <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very High
-
Using 'immediatamente' for casual requests where 'subito' would be more natural.
→
Use 'subito' for less urgent requests, e.g., 'Ti chiamo subito.'
Overusing 'immediatamente' can make you sound overly demanding or dramatic in informal contexts. 'Subito' is the more common and versatile choice for everyday 'right away' situations.
-
Placing 'immediatamente' awkwardly in the sentence, disrupting the flow.
→
Place it after the verb, before the verb (especially with auxiliaries), or at the end for emphasis. E.g., 'Ho <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark> capito.' or 'Ho capito <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>immediatamente</mark>.'
While adverbs are flexible, some positions sound more natural than others. Avoid placing it too far from the verb it modifies or in a way that breaks the sentence's rhythm.
-
Confusing 'immediatamente' with 'presto' (soon).
→
'Immediatamente' means 'without any delay', while 'presto' means 'soon'.
'Presto' indicates a shorter waiting time but not the absolute immediacy of 'immediatamente'. If you mean something will happen in a few minutes, 'presto' is better; if it needs to happen NOW, use 'immediatamente'.
-
Mispronouncing the stress.
→
Stress the syllable 'men': immedia-TA-mente.
Incorrect stress can make the word difficult to understand. The stress pattern for '-mente' adverbs is typically on the syllable before the suffix.
-
Using 'immediatamente' when 'lentamente' (slowly) is the intended meaning.
→
Use 'lentamente' for slow actions.
These are antonyms. 'Immediatamente' is about speed and no delay, while 'lentamente' is about slowness. Ensure you are conveying the correct temporal aspect.
Consejos
Emphasize Urgency
Use immediatamente when you want to stress that something needs to happen without any waiting period. It's perfect for commands, emergency instructions, or describing rapid actions.
Flexible Placement
While often placed after the verb, immediatamente can also go at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or between an auxiliary and past participle in compound tenses. Experiment to see what sounds most natural for your intended meaning.
Synonym Awareness
Be aware of synonyms like 'subito' and 'all'istante'. While often interchangeable, immediatamente generally carries a stronger, more formal sense of urgency. Choose the word that best fits the context and desired tone.
Stress the 'MEN'
Remember to stress the second-to-last syllable: immedia-TA-mente. This helps native speakers understand you clearly and avoids mispronunciation.
Match to Situation
Consider the context. Using immediatamente for a trivial request might sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for situations that genuinely require prompt action.
Alarm Association
Link the word to the sound of an alarm or siren. This association can help you remember its meaning of immediate, urgent action.
Sentence Building
Actively create sentences using immediatamente in various contexts. Write them down, say them aloud, and try to integrate them into your Italian conversations.
Cultural Nuance
While Italians appreciate promptness in emergencies and business, understand that in social settings, the pace might be more relaxed. Use immediatamente appropriately to match cultural expectations.
Avoid Overuse
Don't overuse immediatamente for every simple action. This can make your speech sound unnatural or overly demanding. 'Subito' is often a better choice for casual requests.
Listen and Learn
Pay attention to how native speakers use immediatamente in movies, songs, and conversations. Mimicking their usage will help you sound more natural.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine you're in a dire situation, and someone shouts, 'IMMEDIATELY!' You need to react. The 'IMMEDIATE-LY' sounds like you're saying 'I'm mediate, Lee!' But you're not mediate, you have to act NOW. So, you're not 'mediate, Lee,' you're 'IMMEDIATELY!' ready to act.
Asociación visual
Picture a stopwatch that has just been pressed. The second hand is about to move, indicating the very start of an action, with absolutely no delay. Or visualize a red alert button that, when pressed, triggers an instant, urgent response.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'immediatamente' in your next three Italian sentences. For example, describe something you did immediately after waking up, or something you need to do immediately today.
Origen de la palabra
The word 'immediatamente' derives from the Latin adverb 'immediātē', which itself comes from the adjective 'immediātus'. 'Immediātus' is formed from the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'mediātus' (past participle of 'mediāre', meaning 'to be in the middle' or 'to mediate'). Therefore, the literal meaning is 'not mediated' or 'without anything in between'. This etymological root perfectly captures the sense of directness and lack of delay inherent in the word.
Significado original: Not mediated; without anything in between; direct.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > ItalianContexto cultural
While 'immediatamente' conveys urgency, it's important to use it appropriately. In formal or sensitive situations, pairing it with polite phrasing (e.g., 'La prego di farlo immediatamente') is advisable. In casual settings, 'subito' might be preferred to avoid sounding overly demanding.
In English-speaking cultures, words like 'immediately,' 'right away,' 'ASAP' (as soon as possible), and 'instantly' serve similar functions. The context often dictates the level of urgency conveyed.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Giving urgent instructions or commands.
- Fallo immediatamente!
- Vieni qui immediatamente!
- Smettila immediatamente!
Describing rapid events or actions.
- La polizia è arrivata immediatamente.
- Ha capito immediatamente.
- Il fuoco si è propagato immediatamente.
Business and professional communication.
- Rispondi immediatamente all'email.
- Ho bisogno di quel report immediatamente.
- La spedizione avverrà immediatamente.
Emergency situations.
- Chiama i soccorsi immediatamente!
- Evacuate immediatamente l'area!
- Segui le istruzioni immediatamente.
Expressing personal urgency or need.
- Ho bisogno di aiuto immediatamente.
- Devo partire immediatamente.
- Mi sento male, ho bisogno di un dottore immediatamente.
Inicios de conversación
"What's something you had to do immediately today?"
"Can you think of a time when acting immediately was crucial?"
"How would you instruct someone to do something immediately in Italian?"
"What's the difference between 'immediatamente' and 'subito' in your opinion?"
"Describe a situation where a delay would have been disastrous."
Temas para diario
Write a short story where the main character must act immediately to save someone or something.
Describe a time you were told to do something immediately. How did you feel and react?
Reflect on the importance of promptness in your daily life. When is acting immediately beneficial, and when might it be detrimental?
Imagine you are a news reporter covering a breaking event. Use 'immediatamente' to describe the initial response.
Write a dialogue between two people where one is giving urgent instructions using 'immediatamente'.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas'Immediatamente' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally carries a stronger sense of urgency and can sound more formal than its common synonym 'subito'. In very casual conversations, 'subito' might be preferred unless you specifically want to emphasize extreme promptness. However, in commands or emergency situations, 'immediatamente' is appropriate regardless of formality.
While 'immediatamente' is primarily an adverb modifying verbs, it can sometimes be used to modify adjectives, especially in more literary or descriptive contexts, to emphasize the instantaneous nature of a quality. For example, 'La sua reazione è stata immediatamente ostile' (His reaction was immediately hostile). However, it's more common to use the adjective form 'immediato' in such cases: 'La sua reazione è stata immediata e ostile.'
Both mean 'immediately' or 'right away'. 'Immediatamente' often implies a stronger, more absolute sense of 'no delay whatsoever' and can sound more formal. 'Subito' is more common in everyday speech and can also mean 'very soon' or 'without much delay'. For example, 'Ho bisogno di aiuto immediatamente!' conveys extreme urgency, while 'Ti chiamo subito.' is a standard way to say 'I'll call you right away.'
The stress falls on the second to last syllable: immedia-TA-mente. So, it's pronounced /im.me.dja.taˈmen.te/. This stress pattern is common for adverbs ending in '-mente'.
Yes, placing 'immediatamente' at the beginning of a sentence is a common way to add emphasis to the urgency of the entire statement. For example: 'Immediatamente, chiudi quella porta!' (Immediately, close that door!). This structure is often used in commands.
Yes, 'immediatamente' can be used figuratively to describe things that happen very quickly or have an instant effect, even if not literally instantaneous. For example, 'La sua spiegazione è stata immediatamente chiara' (His explanation was immediately clear) means it became clear very quickly, not necessarily in zero seconds. It's about the swiftness of comprehension or impact.
Some common phrases include 'rispondere immediatamente' (to respond immediately), 'partire immediatamente' (to leave immediately), 'agire immediatamente' (to act immediately), 'smettere immediatamente' (to stop immediately), and 'arrivare immediatamente' (to arrive immediately).
While not sounding exactly alike, words like 'immediato' (adjective, meaning 'immediate') are related. Also, 'immediatamente' can be confused with other adverbs of time like 'subito', 'presto', or 'tardi', which have different nuances of speed and delay.
They are very close cognates and share the same Latin root ('immediatus'). Both mean 'without delay' and are used to indicate promptness and the absence of intervening time.
Use 'immediatamente' when you want to convey a strong sense of absolute, no-delay urgency, or in more formal contexts like official instructions or critical commands. If the situation is less critical or more casual, 'subito' is often a more natural choice.
Ponte a prueba 10 preguntas
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Immediatamente is an adverb meaning 'immediately,' 'at once,' or 'instantly.' It is used to convey that an action should happen or happened without any delay whatsoever, emphasizing promptness and urgency. It is frequently found in commands, emergency situations, and descriptions of rapid events.
- Means 'immediately' or 'instantly'.
- Used for actions with no delay.
- Emphasizes promptness and urgency.
- Common in commands and urgent situations.
Emphasize Urgency
Use immediatamente when you want to stress that something needs to happen without any waiting period. It's perfect for commands, emergency instructions, or describing rapid actions.
Flexible Placement
While often placed after the verb, immediatamente can also go at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or between an auxiliary and past participle in compound tenses. Experiment to see what sounds most natural for your intended meaning.
Synonym Awareness
Be aware of synonyms like 'subito' and 'all'istante'. While often interchangeable, immediatamente generally carries a stronger, more formal sense of urgency. Choose the word that best fits the context and desired tone.
Stress the 'MEN'
Remember to stress the second-to-last syllable: immedia-TA-mente. This helps native speakers understand you clearly and avoids mispronunciation.
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de general
abbagliare
C1To dazzle or blind with light or beauty
abbaglio
C1Un error grave o una equivocación. 'Cometió un abbaglio al confiar en él.'
abbreviare
B1To make something shorter.
abnegazione
C1La abnegación es el sacrificio espontáneo de los propios intereses.
accadere
B1To happen or occur.
accadimento
B2Un acontecimiento o suceso. Se utiliza en contextos formales para describir algo que ha ocurrido.
accaduto
B1Lo ocurrido.
accanito
C1Fierce, persistent, or relentless in pursuit
accantonare
C1To put aside for future use or discard.
accattivante
C1Atractivo o cautivador, algo que gana la simpatía o la atención de los demás.
