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B2 adverb #2,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

速やかに

sumiyaka ni Top 2,000

At the A1 level, the word 速やかに (sumiyaka ni) is far too advanced and formal for everyday use. Beginners should focus on the core concept of speed and time using much simpler vocabulary. The most important word to learn at this stage is 早く (hayaku), which means 'quickly' or 'early'. If you want someone to do something fast, you use 早く. For example, '早く食べて' (Eat quickly) or '早く来て' (Come quickly). You might also learn すぐ (sugu), meaning 'soon' or 'right away'. While you do not need to use or even recognize 速やかに at this stage, understanding the kanji 速 (fast) is helpful, as you will see it in words like 速度 (sokudo - speed) or 快速 (kaisoku - rapid train). The concept of formal versus informal language is just beginning to take shape at A1, so the primary goal is to master the basic, everyday expressions for speed before worrying about the complex, bureaucratic equivalents used in corporate environments.

At the A2 level, learners are becoming more comfortable with basic daily interactions and are starting to understand that Japanese changes depending on who you are talking to. While 速やかに is still not a word you need to actively produce, you might start hearing it in public spaces. For instance, if you are at a train station in Japan and there is an announcement, you might hear '速やかに...' mixed in with other polite language. At this level, you should continue using 早く (hayaku) and すぐに (sugu ni) for your own speech. However, you can begin to appreciate that Japanese has a separate set of vocabulary for official announcements. You should focus on recognizing the polite forms of verbs (〜ます, 〜てください) that often accompany these formal adverbs. If you see a sign with the kanji 速, you know it relates to speed. The goal at A2 is passive recognition in specific public contexts rather than active usage in conversation.

At the B1 level, you are transitioning into intermediate Japanese, where the distinction between spoken and written language (話し言葉 vs. 書き言葉) becomes crucial. You will start reading simple news articles, notices, and perhaps basic business emails. This is where 速やかに begins to appear in your reading comprehension materials. You should understand that it means 'promptly' or 'without delay' and is used in formal requests or rules. For example, '問題があったら、速やかに知らせてください' (If there is a problem, please let us know promptly). While you might still rely on すぐに (sugu ni) in your own speaking, you should start practicing using 速やかに in formal writing, such as drafting a polite email to a teacher or a mock business client. You must also learn the adjective form, 速やかな (sumiyaka na), used before nouns. Mastering this word at B1 helps bridge the gap between casual daily life and the professional Japanese world.

At the B2 level, 速やかに is a core vocabulary word that you are expected to fully understand and actively use in appropriate contexts. You are now dealing with business Japanese (ビジネス日本語), reading contracts, manuals, and formal reports. You must know exactly when to use 速やかに instead of 早く or すぐに. You should be comfortable using it to make professional commitments, such as '速やかに対応いたします' (I will deal with it promptly), and understand its use in conditional rules, like '変更が生じた場合は、速やかに提出すること' (If there are changes, submit them promptly). At this level, you also need to understand its nuances compared to other formal words like 早急に (sakkyuu ni - urgently) and 直ちに (tadachi ni - immediately). Using 速やかに correctly demonstrates that you have a strong grasp of Japanese sociolinguistics, register, and professional etiquette, which is essential for working in a Japanese environment or passing the JLPT N2.

At the C1 level, your command of 速やかに should be native-like. You are not just using it correctly; you are using it to manage tone and authority in complex professional and administrative situations. You understand that using it towards a superior can sound overly prescriptive or demanding, so you skillfully navigate around it using softer keigo (honorifics) when necessary, reserving 速やかに for objective procedures, public announcements, or describing your own actions to show diligence. You easily read and draft legal documents, corporate policies, and official press releases where this word is standard boilerplate language. You can also fluidly switch between the adverbial form (速やかに) and the adjectival form (速やかな) to create sophisticated, flowing sentences. Your understanding of the word extends to its psychological impact in crisis management communication, where it conveys a sense of controlled, efficient action rather than panicked haste.

At the C2 level, you possess a deep, almost academic understanding of 速やかに. You are aware of its etymological roots, its historical usage in Japanese bureaucracy, and its exact stylistic weight in literature and legal drafting. You can debate the microscopic semantic differences between 速やかに, 直ちに, 遅滞なく (without delay), and 早急に in the context of drafting a legally binding contract under Japanese law, knowing that '速やかに' often implies a strong moral or procedural obligation to act quickly, but might lack the absolute strictness of '遅滞なく' in certain legal interpretations. You can use it flawlessly in high-level negotiations, executive summaries, and public speaking engagements. You recognize when an author or speaker is using the word ironically or to deliberately invoke a bureaucratic tone. At this level of mastery, the word is simply another precise tool in your vast linguistic arsenal, deployed with perfect timing and sociolinguistic awareness.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

速やかに en 30 secondes

Means 'promptly' or 'without delay'.
Highly formal, used in business and rules.
Modifies verbs (e.g., 速やかに連絡する).
Not for casual speech or physical speed.

The Japanese adverb 速やかに (すみやかに, sumiyaka ni) is a highly formal and essential vocabulary word that translates to 'promptly,' 'quickly,' 'without delay,' or 'as soon as possible.' It is categorized at the CEFR B2 level, indicating that it is typically acquired by upper-intermediate learners who are beginning to engage with more complex, formal, and professional Japanese texts and speech. Understanding the precise nuance of this word requires an appreciation of Japanese sociolinguistics, particularly the distinction between everyday conversational language and formal written or bureaucratic language. Unlike the more common and casual words for 'quickly,' such as 早く (hayaku) or すぐに (sugu ni), 速やかに carries a distinct tone of officialdom, urgency, and professional obligation. It is the preferred term in legal documents, corporate guidelines, government announcements, and formal business correspondence where a polite yet firm request for immediate action is necessary.

Core Meaning: To perform an action immediately and without any unnecessary delay, usually in response to a rule, request, or sudden event.

異常を発見した場合は、速やかに上司に報告してください。

When you encounter this word, it is almost always in a context where a procedure must be followed strictly. For instance, if an error occurs in a system, the protocol will dictate that the user must 'promptly' notify the administrator. The use of 速やかに in such contexts removes the emotional or subjective element of 'hurrying' and replaces it with a systematic, objective requirement for speed. Furthermore, the etymology of the word traces back to the kanji 速 (soku, haya-i), which inherently means fast or rapid. The adjectival form is 速やかな (sumiyaka na), which modifies nouns, but the adverbial form with に (ni) is vastly more common in modern Japanese.

Nuance: Implies a smooth, uninterrupted transition from the current state to the required action, emphasizing efficiency over sheer physical speed.

退室する際は、速やかに鍵を返却すること。

In terms of grammar, it functions purely as an adverb, modifying the subsequent verb. It is frequently paired with verbs of communication (報告する - to report, 連絡する - to contact), movement (退去する - to evacuate, 離れる - to leave), and resolution (解決する - to resolve, 処理する - to process).

手続きが完了次第、速やかに発送いたします。

To master this word, one must not only memorize its English equivalent but also internalize its register. It belongs to the 'kango' (Sino-Japanese) heavy vocabulary typical of formal writing, even though it uses kunyomi (native Japanese reading).

Register: Strictly formal, written, or official spoken language (e.g., news broadcasts, corporate speeches).

該当する方は、速やかに申し出てください。

火災報知器が鳴った場合は、速やかに避難してください。

Ultimately, understanding '速やかに' is a gateway to comprehending the structured, polite, and efficient world of Japanese professional communication, where clarity and promptness are highly valued virtues.

Using 速やかに correctly requires a solid grasp of Japanese sentence structure and an acute awareness of the situational context. Because it is an adverb, its primary syntactic role is to modify a verb. It is placed immediately before the verb it modifies or earlier in the sentence, provided the connection to the verb remains clear. In business and official contexts, the structure '速やかに + Verb (often in a request or command form)' is ubiquitous.

Basic Structure: [Subject/Condition] + 速やかに + [Action Verb]

問題が解決しましたら、速やかにご連絡いたします。

One of the most common ways to use this word is in conditional sentences. For example, 'If X happens, please do Y promptly.' In Japanese, this translates to 'Xの場合は、速やかにYしてください' or 'Xたら、速やかにYすること'. This pattern is the backbone of instruction manuals, safety guidelines, and corporate rulebooks.

変更があった場合は、速やかに届け出てください。

Another critical usage is in making commitments or promises to clients or superiors. When you want to assure someone that you will handle a matter without delay, you would say '速やかに対応いたします' (I will deal with it promptly). This phrase is a staple in customer service and professional email correspondence. It projects reliability, competence, and respect for the other party's time.

Self-Action: Using it to describe your own actions shows dedication and professionalism.

ご指摘の点につきましては、速やかに修正いたします。

It is also important to note what NOT to do. Do not use 速やかに with verbs that describe uncontrollable states or natural phenomena. It implies a conscious, deliberate action taken by a person or an organization. For instance, you cannot say '雨が速やかに降る' (The rain falls promptly); it makes no logical sense in Japanese.

会議が終了次第、速やかに議事録を作成します。

In written directives, you might see it used with the imperative or the 'こと' ending, which acts as a written command. '使用後は速やかに電源を切ること' (Turn off the power promptly after use). This is highly prescriptive and leaves no room for interpretation.

Written Directives: Often ends with '〜こと' in manuals to indicate a strict rule.

ゴミは速やかに指定の場所に捨てること。

By mastering these patterns—conditional requests, professional promises, and written directives—you will be able to deploy 速やかに with native-like precision, significantly elevating the sophistication of your formal Japanese.

The environments where you are most likely to encounter the word 速やかに are characterized by formality, officialdom, and structured communication. As a learner, you will rarely, if ever, hear this word in casual conversations at an izakaya, among friends, or in slice-of-life anime. Instead, its natural habitat is the corporate office, the government building, the public transportation system, and formal news broadcasts. Understanding where this word lives helps you understand its weight and appropriate usage.

Public Announcements: Train stations, airports, and public facilities use it for safety and operational instructions.

白線の内側へ速やかにお下がりください。

In a business setting, it is omnipresent in emails, internal memos, and official reports. When a company issues an apology for a defective product, the press release will inevitably state that they will 'promptly investigate the cause' (原因を速やかに究明する). This usage is designed to reassure the public and stakeholders that the company is taking the matter seriously and acting without delay.

お客様にはご迷惑をおかけしますが、速やかに対応させていただきます。

Legal and administrative documents are another primary domain. Contracts, terms of service, and government forms frequently employ 速やかに to define obligations. For example, a lease agreement might stipulate that if the tenant damages the property, they must 'promptly notify the landlord.' The precision of the word leaves no legal ambiguity about the expectation of immediate action.

Legal Documents: Used to establish clear, unambiguous timelines for required actions in contracts.

住所に変更があった場合は、速やかに届け出なければならない。

During emergencies, such as earthquakes or fires, automated broadcast systems and emergency personnel will use this word to direct evacuations. '速やかに避難してください' (Please evacuate promptly) is a standard phrase that balances the need for urgency with the need to maintain order and prevent panic. It sounds authoritative and calm, unlike screaming '早く逃げて！' (Run away quickly!).

津波警報が発令されました。速やかに高台へ避難してください。

Finally, you will hear it in news reports when journalists are describing the actions of politicians, police, or corporations. '警察は速やかに捜査を開始した' (The police promptly began their investigation).

News Media: Journalists use it to objectively describe the swift actions of authorities or organizations.

政府は被害状況を速やかに把握するよう指示した。

By immersing yourself in these formal Japanese contexts, the usage and nuance of 速やかに will become second nature, allowing you to navigate professional and official situations with confidence.

When learners first encounter the word 速やかに, they often attempt to use it as a direct, one-to-one replacement for the English word 'quickly' or the basic Japanese word '早く' (hayaku). This leads to several common and sometimes comical sociolinguistic errors. The most frequent mistake is a mismatch of register. Using a highly formal, bureaucratic word in a casual setting sounds incredibly unnatural to native speakers.

Register Mismatch: Using formal vocabulary in casual, everyday situations with friends or family.

❌ ねえ、速やかにご飯食べようよ。
⭕️ ねえ、早くご飯食べようよ。

Imagine telling your friend, 'Hey, let us promptly and without delay consume our meal.' It sounds robotic and overly stiff. 速やかに should be strictly reserved for business, official, or written contexts. Another common error involves confusing the adverbial form with the adjectival form. The word is an adjective (速やかな) that is conjugated into an adverb (速やかに). Learners sometimes try to use '速やかに' directly before a noun, which is grammatically incorrect.

❌ 速やかに対応を感謝します。
⭕️ 速やかな対応を感謝します。

A third mistake is using it to describe physical speed in a literal sense, such as running fast or a car moving quickly. 速やかに is about the *promptness of initiating an action* or the *efficiency of a process*, not the physical velocity of an object. For physical speed, words like 速く (hayaku) or スピードを出して are appropriate.

Physical Speed vs. Promptness: Do not use it to describe how fast a car drives or a person runs.

❌ 彼は速やかに走った。
⭕️ 彼は速く走った。

Furthermore, learners sometimes overuse it in business emails when a softer approach is needed. While it is a great word for promising your own prompt action (速やかに対応いたします), using it to demand action from a client or superior (速やかに返信してください) can come across as overly demanding, aggressive, or bossy, akin to a police officer giving an order.

❌ 社長、速やかに確認してください。
⭕️ 社長、お早めにご確認いただけますと幸いです。

Over-Authoritative Tone: Using it as a request to a higher-up sounds like an order.

❌ お客様、速やかにお支払いください。
⭕️ お客様、なるべくお早めにお支払いをお願い申し上げます。

By avoiding these pitfalls—register mismatch, grammatical confusion with the adjective form, misunderstanding physical speed versus promptness, and sounding overly authoritative—you can ensure that your use of this advanced vocabulary word is both accurate and socially appropriate.

The Japanese language is rich in vocabulary related to time, speed, and urgency. Understanding the subtle distinctions between 速やかに and its synonyms is crucial for achieving fluency and precision in your communication. While several words translate to 'quickly' or 'immediately' in English, their usage in Japanese depends heavily on formality, objective versus subjective timeframes, and the nature of the action.

早く (Hayaku): The most basic and versatile word for 'quickly' or 'early'. It is casual to standard in register and can refer to both physical speed and time.

もっと早く歩いて！ (Walk faster!) - You would never use 速やかに here.

Another very common synonym is すぐに (sugu ni), which means 'immediately' or 'right away.' While すぐに is highly conversational and implies a very short amount of time passing before the action occurs, it lacks the formal, bureaucratic weight of 速やかに. You would use すぐに with a friend or a close colleague, but you would use 速やかに in an official report or a formal announcement.

すぐに参ります。(I will be right there.) vs 速やかに対応いたします。(We will deal with it promptly.)

A closer synonym in terms of formality is 直ちに (ただちに, tadachi ni). This word also means 'immediately' or 'without delay' and is highly formal. However, 直ちに implies a much stronger sense of absolute immediacy and urgency. If a situation is life-threatening or critically urgent, 直ちに is used. 速やかに, on the other hand, implies doing something as soon as reasonably possible without unnecessary delay, focusing on smooth process rather than panicked instantaneity.

直ちに (Tadachi ni): Implies absolute, immediate action, often in critical or emergency situations. Stronger urgency than 速やかに.

直ちに作業を中止せよ！(Cease operations immediately!) - Stronger than 速やかに.

We also have 早急に (さっきゅうに / そうきゅうに, sakkyuu ni / soukyuu ni), which translates to 'urgently' or 'as soon as possible.' This is very common in business emails when requesting someone to do something quickly. While similar, 早急に emphasizes the *urgency* of the request, whereas 速やかに emphasizes the *smoothness and lack of delay* in the execution.

早急にお返事いただけますでしょうか。(Could you please reply urgently?)

至急 (Shikyuu): Used as a noun or adverb meaning 'urgent'. Often stamped on documents.

至急、社長室に来てください。(Come to the president's office urgently.)

By carefully distinguishing between 早く (casual speed), すぐに (conversational immediacy), 直ちに (critical instantaneity), 早急に (business urgency), and 速やかに (official promptness), you will demonstrate a highly sophisticated command of Japanese vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

早く来てください。

Please come quickly. (Uses simple alternative)

Uses 早く instead of 速やかに for A1 level.

電車が速いです。

The train is fast.

Introduces the kanji 速 (fast).

すぐに行きます。

I will go right away.

Uses すぐに, a simpler synonym.

早く食べてください。

Please eat quickly.

Basic te-form request with 早く.

速い車ですね。

It's a fast car, isn't it?

Adjective 速い (fast).

すぐ終わります。

It will finish soon.

Simple future action with すぐ.

早く寝ましょう。

Let's sleep early/quickly.

Volitional form with 早く.

もっと早く！

Faster!

Basic comparative concept.

駅で「速やかに」という言葉を聞きました。

I heard the word 'sumiyaka ni' at the station.

Passive recognition of the word.

問題があったら、すぐに教えてください。

If there is a problem, please tell me right away.

Conditional 'たら' with simpler synonym.

速やかにという言葉は、とても丁寧です。

The word 'sumiyaka ni' is very polite.

Explaining the word's nature.

テストが終わったら、早く帰ってください。

When the test is over, please go home quickly.

A2 level instruction.

あの看板に「速やかに」と書いてあります。

It says 'sumiyaka ni' on that sign.

Reading context.

すぐに返事を書きます。

I will write a reply right away.

Expressing intention.

仕事が速いですね。

Your work is fast.

Using the kanji in a related context.

急いでください。

Please hurry.

Another related A2 concept (急ぐ).

エラーが出た場合は、速やかに管理者に連絡してください。

If an error occurs, please contact the administrator promptly.

Standard B1 conditional rule.

速やかに対応していただき、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for your prompt response.

Formal expression of thanks.

会議が終わったら、速やかに部屋を出てください。

When the meeting is over, please leave the room promptly.

Formal instruction.

落とし物を見つけたら、速やかに交番に届けてください。

If you find a lost item, please deliver it to the police box promptly.

Civic instruction.

速やかなお返事をお待ちしております。

I look forward to your prompt reply.

Using the adjectival form 速やかな.

火事の時は、速やかに外へ逃げてください。

In case of a fire, please escape outside promptly.

Emergency instruction.

お客様からのクレームには、速やかに対応します。

We deal with customer complaints promptly.

Business policy statement.

手続きが終わり次第、速やかに発送します。

As soon as the procedure is finished, we will ship it promptly.

Using 次第 (as soon as).

ご指摘の件につきましては、速やかに調査し、ご報告いたします。

Regarding the matter you pointed out, we will promptly investigate and report back.

Highly formal business email phrasing.

本契約に違反した場合、速やかに損害を賠償しなければならない。

In the event of a breach of this contract, damages must be compensated promptly.

Legal obligation using なければならない.

異常を検知したシステムは、速やかにネットワークから切断されます。

A system that detects an anomaly will be promptly disconnected from the network.

Passive voice in technical writing.

災害発生時は、マニュアルに従い速やかに避難行動をとること。

In the event of a disaster, take evacuation action promptly according to the manual.

Written directive ending in こと.

速やかなる解決に向けて、全力を尽くす所存です。

We intend to do our utmost toward a prompt resolution.

Formal expression of intent (所存).

該当する書類を速やかにご提出くださいますようお願い申し上げます。

We humbly request that you submit the relevant documents promptly.

High-level keigo request.

事態の収拾を図るため、速やかにプロジェクトチームが結成された。

To bring the situation under control, a project team was promptly formed.

Objective narrative description.

退職される方は、健康保険証を速やかに返納してください。

Those who are retiring/resigning must promptly return their health insurance cards.

Administrative procedure.

行政機関は、住民からの苦情に対し速やかに善処する義務を負う。

Administrative organs bear the obligation to promptly take appropriate measures in response to complaints from residents.

Bureaucratic and legal phrasing.

市場の変動を速やかに察知し、投資戦略を柔軟に見直す必要がある。

It is necessary to promptly sense market fluctuations and flexibly review investment strategies.

Advanced business analysis context.

当該事象が確認され次第、速やかにプレスリリースを発出する手はずとなっている。

Arrangements have been made to promptly issue a press release as soon as the said event is confirmed.

Corporate PR terminology (発出する, 手はず).

感染症の拡大を防ぐため、速やかなる情報開示が求められている。

To prevent the spread of the infectious disease, prompt information disclosure is required.

Passive expectation (求められている).

契約の解除を希望される場合は、書面にて速やかに申し出ること。

If you wish to cancel the contract, you must notify us promptly in writing.

Strict contractual condition.

事後報告ではなく、事前の速やかな相談がトラブル回避の鍵となる。

Prompt prior consultation, rather than after-the-fact reporting, is the key to avoiding trouble.

Contrasting concepts in a professional context.

システム障害の原因究明と復旧作業を速やかに並行して進める。

We will promptly proceed with investigating the cause of the system failure and the recovery work in parallel.

Describing complex, simultaneous actions.

速やかに退去を命じる仮処分命令が裁判所から下された。

A provisional disposition order commanding prompt eviction was handed down by the court.

Specific legal terminology (仮処分命令).

法の不備が指摘される中、立法府には速やかなる法整備が強く要請されている。

Amidst point-outs of legal deficiencies, there is a strong demand for the legislature to promptly establish relevant laws.

High-level political discourse.

遅滞なく、かつ速やかに業務を遂行することが、受託者の善管注意義務である。

Executing duties without delay and promptly is the fiduciary duty of care of the trustee.

Distinguishing nuanced legal terms (遅滞なく vs 速やかに).

その場しのぎの対応ではなく、抜本的な解決策を速やかに講じるべきだ。

Rather than a stopgap measure, drastic solutions should be promptly implemented.

Advanced persuasive argumentation.

事態の深刻さを鑑みれば、速やかに第三者委員会を設置するのが筋であろう。

Considering the gravity of the situation, it would stand to reason to promptly establish a third-party committee.

Expressing logical necessity (筋であろう).

歴史的建造物の焼失という悲劇を受け、文化庁は速やかに再発防止策を取りまとめた。

Following the tragedy of the historical building burning down, the Agency for Cultural Affairs promptly compiled measures to prevent recurrence.

Journalistic narrative of government action.

株主代表訴訟のリスクを回避するためにも、取締役会は速やかに決断を下さねばならない。

To avoid the risk of a shareholder derivative suit, the board of directors must promptly make a decision.

Corporate governance context.

条約の批准に向けて、関係各省庁は速やかに国内法の調整作業に入る見通しだ。

Toward the ratification of the treaty, it is expected that the relevant ministries and agencies will promptly begin the work of adjusting domestic laws.

International relations reporting.

速やかなる対応が功を奏し、被害は最小限に食い止められた。

The prompt response bore fruit, and the damage was kept to a minimum.

Literary/journalistic idiom (功を奏し).

Collocations courantes

速やかに対応する

速やかに報告する

速やかに連絡する

速やかに提出する

速やかに避難する

速やかに解決する

速やかに処理する

速やかに退去する

速やかに返却する

速やかに手続きを行う

Phrases Courantes

速やかに対応いたします

速やかにご報告ください

速やかにご提出願います

速やかに避難してください

速やかなご返信をお待ちしております

速やかな解決を図る

速やかに原因を究明する

速やかに手続きを完了させる

速やかに改善策を講じる

速やかに情報を共有する

Souvent confondu avec

速やかに vs 早急に (Sakkyuu ni) - Emphasizes urgency and panic more than sumiyaka ni.

速やかに vs 直ちに (Tadachi ni) - Means instantly, right this second. Stronger than sumiyaka ni.

速やかに vs すぐに (Sugu ni) - Casual/standard register, not suitable for formal documents.

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

速やかに vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

note

While 速やかに means promptly, it does not necessarily mean 'within seconds'. It means 'without unnecessary delay according to standard procedures'. If a process takes 3 days, doing it in 3 days without stalling is still 'sumiyaka ni'.

Erreurs courantes

Using 速やかに in casual conversation with friends.
Using 速やかに before a noun (e.g., 速やかに対応 instead of 速やかな対応).
Using it to describe physical speed (e.g., 車が速やかに走る).
Using it as a direct command to a superior without softening language, sounding rude.
Confusing it with 早急に (sakkyuu ni) when emphasizing extreme panic or urgency.

Astuces

Business Essential

Memorize '速やかに対応いたします' (I will deal with it promptly). It is a magic phrase in customer service and business apologies that instantly makes you sound professional and reliable.

Adverb vs Adjective

Remember the rule: 'に' (ni) goes before verbs (速やかに連絡する), and 'な' (na) goes before nouns (速やかな連絡). Mixing these up is a common mistake.

Objective Tone

Use this word when you want to remove emotion from a request. It makes a demand sound like a standard rule rather than a personal order.

Listen in Public

Next time you are in Japan or watching a Japanese news broadcast, listen for this word. You will hear it constantly in official announcements and disaster warnings.

Email Etiquette

When asking a boss or client to do something quickly, '速やかに' can sometimes sound too strong. Use 'お早めに' (ohayame ni) or 'なるべく早く' (narubeku hayaku) for a softer touch.

Pair with Formal Verbs

速やかに sounds best when paired with Sino-Japanese verbs (kango) like 報告する (report), 提出する (submit), or 処理する (process), rather than native Japanese verbs like 言う (say) or 出す (put out).

Not for Physical Speed

Never use it to describe how fast a car is moving or how fast an athlete runs. It is about time management and procedure, not physics.

Contract Language

If you are reading a Japanese apartment lease or work contract, look for this word. It usually highlights an important obligation you must fulfill if something goes wrong.

Roleplay Practice

Practice using it by pretending to be a train conductor or a news anchor. This will help you internalize the formal, authoritative tone required for the word.

Upgrade your vocabulary

Whenever you are writing a formal text and are about to write 'すぐに', pause and ask yourself if '速やかに' would be more appropriate. 90% of the time in business, it is.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine you are SUing MIYA (a company) because they weren't quick enough. They must settle the case SUMIYAKA NI (promptly).

Origine du mot

Native Japanese (Wago) reading of a Chinese character (Kanji).

Contexte culturel

Implies procedural efficiency rather than frantic rushing.

Highly formal/Humble when referring to own actions.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"職場でトラブルがあった時、速やかに報告する文化はありますか？"

"日本の電車のアナウンスで「速やかに」という言葉を聞いたことがありますか？"

"「すぐに」と「速やかに」の使い分けについてどう思いますか？"

"あなたの国では、ビジネスで「速やかに」に当たる言葉をよく使いますか？"

"クレーム対応で一番大切なのは、速やかに対応することだと思いますか？"

Sujets d'écriture

Write a formal email apologizing for a mistake and promising to fix it 'promptly'.

Describe a time when you had to act 'promptly' in an emergency situation.

Write a set of rules for a library, using '速やかに' for returning books.

Explain the difference between '早く' and '速やかに' to a beginner Japanese learner.

Reflect on why formal language is so important in Japanese business culture.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is highly unnatural. It sounds like you are reading from a corporate manual or a legal document. With friends, use '早く' (hayaku) or 'すぐに' (sugu ni).

Both are formal and mean quickly. However, 早急に (sakkyuu ni) emphasizes urgency, almost like an emergency or a pressing deadline. 速やかに (sumiyaka ni) emphasizes doing something smoothly and without unnecessary delay, often following a set procedure.

速やかに is an adverb because it ends in 'に' (ni) and modifies verbs. The adjective form is 速やかな (sumiyaka na), which modifies nouns, such as '速やかな対応' (prompt response).

It is grammatically possible but semantically very strange. 速やかに is about the promptness of initiating an action or completing a process, not physical velocity. For running fast, use '速く走る' (hayaku hashiru).

It is excellent for promising your own actions, e.g., '速やかに対応いたします' (I will deal with it promptly). If asking a client to do something, soften it with polite grammar, e.g., '速やかにご返信いただけますと幸いです' (I would appreciate it if you could reply promptly).

Public announcements use formal, objective language to maintain order and authority. Saying '速やかに移動してください' (Please move promptly) is polite but firm, preventing panic while ensuring compliance.

Yes, it is commonly tested at the JLPT N2 level, particularly in reading comprehension (business emails, notices) and vocabulary sections testing adverbs.

The kanji is 速, which is the same kanji used in 早く (hayaku - fast) and 速度 (sokudo - speed). It visually represents the concept of speed or quickness.

Yes, but only in formal spoken Japanese, such as giving a presentation, making an official announcement, or speaking to a very important client in a formal meeting. It is not for daily chit-chat.

Antonyms would include words like '遅滞して' (with delay), '後回しに' (putting off until later), or simply 'ゆっくり' (slowly), depending on the exact context.