In 15 Seconds
- Used for writing or replying without any delay.
- Combines 'sugu ni' (immediately) and 'kaku' (to write).
- Shows reliability and respect in Japanese professional culture.
Meaning
This phrase means to jot something down or reply to a message right away without any delay. It’s what you say when you want to capture a thought before it escapes your mind.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a friend back
返事をすぐに書くね！
I'll write a reply right away!
In a business meeting
大事なポイントなので、すぐに書きます。
This is an important point, so I will write it down immediately.
Hearing a great idea
忘れないうちに、すぐに書こう。
Let's write it down immediately before I forget.
Cultural Background
Taking notes immediately during a meeting is a sign of 'Kei' (respect). If you don't write, the speaker may think you aren't listening. Japan has a massive market for high-quality pens and notebooks (Techo) specifically designed for 'sugu ni kaku' (quick note-taking). The 'Kidoku' (Read) feature in LINE creates pressure to 'sugu ni kaku' (reply immediately) to avoid social friction. Japanese teachers often use the phrase 'Sugu ni kaite!' to keep students engaged and ensure they capture key exam points.
Drop the 'ni'
In casual conversation, just say 'Sugu kaku!' to sound more like a native speaker.
Kanji check
Always use '書' for text. Using '描' for a memo will confuse people.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for writing or replying without any delay.
- Combines 'sugu ni' (immediately) and 'kaku' (to write).
- Shows reliability and respect in Japanese professional culture.
What It Means
It means putting pen to paper right now. No waiting. No procrastinating. It’s about capturing a fleeting thought before it vanishes. It implies a sense of urgency and focus.
How To Use It
Pair すぐ (immediately) with the verb 書く (to write). You can use it as a command or a promise. Change it to 書きます to sound more professional. It’s a very versatile building block for your Japanese. Just drop it into a sentence when speed matters.
When To Use It
Use it when a boss gives you a task. Use it when a friend shares a secret recipe. It’s perfect for those "aha!" moments in a cafe. If you’re texting, it shows you’re eager to reply. It shows you are proactive and attentive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that require deep meditation. You wouldn't すぐに書く a 500-page novel. It’s for quick actions, not long-term projects. Avoid it if you want to sound slow and deliberate. It can feel a bit rushed in artistic contexts.
Cultural Background
Japanese people love their stationery and notebooks. Taking notes is a sign of being しっかり (reliable). In a meeting, not writing might look like you don't care. Writing immediately shows you value the information. It’s a sign of respect for the speaker's time.
Common Variations
Try すぐに書き留める for "to jot down." Or メモする for a more modern feel. If you’re in a rush, 速攻で書く sounds cool and fast. You might also hear すぐ書く in very casual speech.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation. Use `書きます` for work and `書く` for family or friends. Be careful not to sound too rushed if the situation requires more thought.
Drop the 'ni'
In casual conversation, just say 'Sugu kaku!' to sound more like a native speaker.
Kanji check
Always use '書' for text. Using '描' for a memo will confuse people.
The 'Kidoku' Pressure
If you see a message but can't reply, it's better to say 'Ato de sugu kaku!' than to leave it on read.
Pair with 'oku'
Use 'Sugu ni kaite oku' to mean 'I'll write it down for future reference.'
Examples
6返事をすぐに書くね！
I'll write a reply right away!
The 'ne' at the end makes it sound friendly and promising.
大事なポイントなので、すぐに書きます。
This is an important point, so I will write it down immediately.
Using 'masu' form makes this professional and polite.
忘れないうちに、すぐに書こう。
Let's write it down immediately before I forget.
The 'ou' ending suggests a self-invitation or a suggestion to others.
先生の冗談を、すぐに書いた。
I immediately wrote down the teacher's joke.
Using the past tense 'kaita' to show the action is done.
今の気持ちをすぐに書きたいです。
I want to write my current feelings immediately.
The 'tai' form expresses a strong desire.
伝言をすぐに書きました。
I wrote down the message right away.
Shows efficiency in a work or home setting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb to mean 'immediately.'
{忘|わす}れないうちに、____{書|か}いてください。
'Sugu ni' means immediately, which fits the context of not forgetting.
Which kanji is correct for 'writing' a note?
メモをすぐに____。
'書く' is for writing text; '描く' is for drawing.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: {電話|でんわ}{番号|ばんごう}を{教|おし}えて。 B: いいよ。ちょっと{待|ま}って、____。
You need to write down a phone number to remember it.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You receive a text from your boss asking for a report.
Writing and sending is the appropriate response to a report request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{忘|わす}れないうちに、____{書|か}いてください。
'Sugu ni' means immediately, which fits the context of not forgetting.
メモをすぐに____。
'書く' is for writing text; '描く' is for drawing.
A: {電話|でんわ}{番号|ばんごう}を{教|おし}えて。 B: いいよ。ちょっと{待|ま}って、____。
You need to write down a phone number to remember it.
Situation: You receive a text from your boss asking for a report.
Writing and sending is the appropriate response to a report request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! In modern Japanese, 'kaku' is used for both handwriting and digital typing.
Yes, 'sugu ni' is the grammatically complete adverbial form, while 'sugu' is more colloquial.
'Sugu ni' means immediately after something. 'Mousugu' means 'very soon' (approaching a point in time).
No, for drawing you must use the kanji '描く' (though the pronunciation is the same).
You would say 'Ato de kakimasu.'
Yes, it's too direct. Use 'Kaite itadakemasu ka?' instead.
Usually, but it can also mean 'to scratch' (掻く) or 'to shovel' (kaku), though the kanji differ.
It's slang for 'instant response' (soku-response).
Only if you mean you are starting the physical act of writing right now.
Not exactly. 'Sassoku' implies you were looking forward to it.
Sugu ni kakimashita (polite) or Sugu ni kaita (casual).
Promising to reply to a message or taking a quick memo of a phone number.
Related Phrases
メモを取る
similarTo take a memo
{書|か}き{留|と}める
specialized formTo jot down/record
即レス
slangInstant reply
{返信|へんしん}する
similarTo reply
あとで{書|か}く
contrastWrite later
