すぐに勉強する
sugu ni benkyou suru
immediately study
Literally: immediately (suguni) + study (benkyō suru)
In 15 Seconds
- Means starting to study right this very moment.
- Combines 'suguni' (immediately) with 'benkyō suru' (to study).
- Shows high motivation and a lack of procrastination.
Meaning
It means you are going to start studying right this second. It's a firm promise to stop procrastinating and focus on your books immediately.
Key Examples
3 of 6Responding to a parent's reminder
はい、すぐに勉強するよ。
Yes, I'll study right away.
Promising a teacher to improve
今日からすぐに勉強します。
I will start studying immediately from today.
Texting a friend who asked if you're free
ごめん、テストがあるからすぐに勉強する!
Sorry, I have a test so I'm going to study right now!
Cultural Background
The 'Study Account' (#勉強垢 - benkyou-aka) on Instagram and X is a huge trend. Students post photos of their desks with the caption 'Sugu ni benkyou suru' to hold themselves accountable. During exam season (Juken), shrines sell charms (omamori) for academic success. Many students say 'sugu ni benkyou suru' as a prayer or vow when they receive one. The concept of 'Sunao' (being obedient/honest) means that when a teacher tells you to study, the expected response is an immediate 'Sugu ni shimasu!' Japanese 'Cram Schools' (Juku) often have posters with slogans like 'Do it now!' which translates to the spirit of 'Sugu ni benkyou suru'.
The 'Ni' Particle
Always remember the 'ni' after 'sugu'. Without it, 'sugu' sounds incomplete in this phrase.
Don't Overuse with Superiors
Saying 'sugu ni benkyou suru' to a boss might sound like you're a child talking to a parent. Use 'tadachi ni' for professional urgency.
In 15 Seconds
- Means starting to study right this very moment.
- Combines 'suguni' (immediately) with 'benkyō suru' (to study).
- Shows high motivation and a lack of procrastination.
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate weapon against procrastination. It tells people you are diving into your books right now. There is no 'in five minutes' or 'after this video.' It is a direct commitment to action. You are signaling that studying is your top priority. It sounds determined and focused.
How To Use It
You simply place suguni before the verb benkyō suru. It works as an adverbial phrase to add urgency. You can use the dictionary form benkyō suru with friends. Use the polite form benkyō shimasu with teachers or parents. It is a very versatile and common collocation. You will hear it in schools and homes daily.
When To Use It
Use it when your mom asks about your homework. Use it when a friend invites you out before a test. It is perfect for those 'oh no' moments before exams. You can text it to a study group to show motivation. It works well when you feel a sudden burst of energy. Use it to reassure someone you are being productive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you actually plan to wait. If you say suguni but then watch TV, you'll lose trust. Avoid it in very formal business meetings about non-study tasks. It is specifically for learning and academic contexts. Don't use it if the task is just a quick check. It implies a dedicated session of focused learning.
Cultural Background
Japan has a very strong culture of 'ganbaru' or doing one's best. Diligence is highly respected from a young age. Students often attend 'juku' or cram schools until late at night. Saying you will study 'immediately' shows you respect your responsibilities. It reflects the social value placed on academic effort and discipline. Being prompt is seen as a sign of maturity.
Common Variations
For a more casual vibe, just say sugu benkyō suru. The ni makes it feel slightly more deliberate. If you want to sound very polite, use suguni benkyō itashimasu. To tell someone else to do it, say suguni benkyō shinasai. You can also add yo at the end for emphasis. suguni benkyō suru yo! sounds like a friendly promise.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but can be adjusted for formality by changing the verb ending. Be careful not to use the dictionary form `suru` with superiors.
The 'Ni' Particle
Always remember the 'ni' after 'sugu'. Without it, 'sugu' sounds incomplete in this phrase.
Don't Overuse with Superiors
Saying 'sugu ni benkyou suru' to a boss might sound like you're a child talking to a parent. Use 'tadachi ni' for professional urgency.
Pair with 'Tsumori'
Adding 'tsumori' (intend to) makes you sound much more like a native speaker when discussing your plans.
Examples
6はい、すぐに勉強するよ。
Yes, I'll study right away.
The 'yo' adds a reassuring tone to the promise.
今日からすぐに勉強します。
I will start studying immediately from today.
Using the 'masu' form makes it respectful for a school setting.
ごめん、テストがあるからすぐに勉強する!
Sorry, I have a test so I'm going to study right now!
The exclamation mark conveys the urgency of the situation.
このお菓子を食べたら、すぐに勉強する…たぶん。
After I eat this snack, I'll study immediately... maybe.
The 'maybe' at the end creates a relatable, humorous moment.
次は失敗したくないから、すぐに勉強する。
I don't want to fail next time, so I'm studying right away.
Shows a strong emotional resolve to do better.
図書館に着いたらすぐに勉強しよう。
Let's study as soon as we get to the library.
The 'shiyō' form turns it into a suggestion for the group.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb to mean 'immediately'.
{母|はは}に{怒|おこ}られたので、_____{勉強|べんきょう}します。
'Sugu ni' means immediately, which fits the context of being scolded by a parent.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend you are going to study right now?
Choose the best option:
The casual form 'suru yo' is perfect for friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}のテスト、{準備|じゅんび}できた? B: いや、まだなんだ。だから、{今|いま}から____。
'Suru tsumori da' expresses an intention for the immediate future.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are writing a formal email to a professor promising to study the materials they sent.
'Tadachi ni' and 'itashimasu' provide the necessary formal register for a professor.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{母|はは}に{怒|おこ}られたので、_____{勉強|べんきょう}します。
'Sugu ni' means immediately, which fits the context of being scolded by a parent.
Choose the best option:
The casual form 'suru yo' is perfect for friends.
A: {明日|あした}のテスト、{準備|じゅんび}できた? B: いや、まだなんだ。だから、{今|いま}から____。
'Suru tsumori da' expresses an intention for the immediate future.
Situation: You are writing a formal email to a professor promising to study the materials they sent.
'Tadachi ni' and 'itashimasu' provide the necessary formal register for a professor.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's very casual and usually used as an exclamation: 'Sugu yare!' (Do it now!). In the phrase 'sugu ni benkyou suru', the 'ni' is standard.
No, you can 'benkyou' for a driver's license, a new hobby, or even 'study' a menu at a restaurant.
'Ima sugu' is more emphatic, like 'Right this very second!', whereas 'sugu ni' is just 'immediately'.
Use 'mousugu' or 'ato de' (later).
Yes, but usually as 'sugu ni shigoto ni torikakarimasu' (I'll get to work immediately).
It's an old merchant term meaning they are 'exerting effort' to lower the price for you.
It's rare. Usually, you use 'ima benkyou shite iru' (I am studying now). 'Sugu ni' implies the start of an action.
The adverb itself is neutral. The politeness comes from the verb ending (suru vs shimasu).
'Yukkuri' (slowly) or 'nonbiri' (leisurely).
No, for 'studying/observing' a person, use 'kansatsu suru'.
Related Phrases
{予習|よしゅう}する
similarTo prepare for a lesson.
{復習|ふくしゅう}する
similarTo review.
{机|つくえ}に{向|む}かう
builds onTo sit at one's desk.
{学|まな}ぶ
synonymTo learn.
{怠|なま}ける
contrastTo be lazy / to slack off.