すぐに働く
sugu ni hataraku
immediately work
Literally: immediately (sugu ni) + work (hataraku)
In 15 Seconds
- Means starting a job or task without any delay or hesitation.
- Used in job interviews or when receiving urgent tasks from bosses.
- Combines 'immediately' (sugu ni) with the verb 'to work' (hataraku).
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of starting work or beginning a job right away without any delay. It's that 'hit the ground running' feeling when you jump straight into a task or a new position.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
採用されたら、すぐに働けます。
If hired, I can work immediately.
A boss giving an urgent order
このプロジェクトのために、すぐに働いてください。
Please work on this project immediately.
Texting a friend about a new job
明日からすぐに働くことになったよ！
It's been decided I'll start working right away tomorrow!
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Soku-senryoku' is vital. Employers often prefer candidates who can work immediately without long training periods. Punctuality is part of 'working immediately'. If you say you can work at 9:00, you should be ready to actually start the tasks at 9:00, not just arrive. Part-time culture (Baito): Many students use this phrase when applying for jobs in convenience stores or restaurants. Post-disaster resilience: 'Sugu-ni hataraku' is often used to describe the spirit of shopkeepers reopening immediately after an earthquake.
Interview Winner
Saying '{明日|あした}からすぐに{働|はたら}けます' is the single best way to show enthusiasm in a Japanese part-time job interview.
Don't over-use 'Sugu'
If you say 'sugu' for everything, you might sound rushed or impatient. Use it when there is actual urgency.
In 15 Seconds
- Means starting a job or task without any delay or hesitation.
- Used in job interviews or when receiving urgent tasks from bosses.
- Combines 'immediately' (sugu ni) with the verb 'to work' (hataraku).
What It Means
すぐに働く is a straightforward way to say you are getting to work right now. It combines すぐに (immediately/at once) with the verb 働く (to work). It implies a lack of hesitation. You aren't finishing your coffee first. You aren't checking your phone. You are diving into the labor. It can refer to starting a specific task or starting a new job role.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like a standard verb phrase. You can change the ending of 働く to fit your needs. Want to say 'I want to work immediately'? Use すぐに働きたい. Need to say 'Please work immediately'? Use すぐに働いてください. It is very flexible. Just remember that すぐに acts as the gas pedal for the verb 働く.
When To Use It
Use this when you are eager to start a new job. It sounds great in interviews to show enthusiasm. You can also use it when a boss gives you a task. It shows you are reliable and fast. If a friend asks when you start your shift, and it's right now, this is your go-to phrase. It’s perfect for busy environments like kitchens or busy offices.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 働く for inanimate objects like a broken toaster. For machines, use 動く (ugoku) instead. Also, avoid using this if you are just 'doing a task' like homework. 働く usually implies professional labor or a job. If you are just doing chores, すぐにやる (do it immediately) is more natural. Don't say this if you plan to procrastinate for even five minutes!
Cultural Background
Japan has a deep culture of 'soku-res' (quick response) and 'shigoto-shugi' (work-centrism). Being ready to work immediately is seen as a sign of respect. It shows you value the company's time. In many part-time job ads (baito), you will see 'immediately work' as a requirement. It reflects the fast-paced nature of Japanese urban life. Efficiency is king in the Japanese workplace.
Common Variations
You might hear すぐ働く in casual speech, dropping the ni. For a more formal setting, people say すぐに仕事に取り掛かる (immediately start the job). If you are talking about starting a new career path, you might hear すぐに就職する. In a restaurant, a manager might shout すぐ動いて! (move immediately!) to get the staff going. Each variation adds a slightly different flavor of urgency.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for most situations. In very formal business writing, you might replace `すぐに` with `至急` (shikyuu - urgently) or `直ちに` (tadatachi ni).
Interview Winner
Saying '{明日|あした}からすぐに{働|はたら}けます' is the single best way to show enthusiasm in a Japanese part-time job interview.
Don't over-use 'Sugu'
If you say 'sugu' for everything, you might sound rushed or impatient. Use it when there is actual urgency.
The 'Ni' Particle
While 'sugu' is okay, adding 'ni' makes you sound more educated and polite in a work setting.
Examples
6採用されたら、すぐに働けます。
If hired, I can work immediately.
This shows the speaker is available and eager to start.
このプロジェクトのために、すぐに働いてください。
Please work on this project immediately.
Uses the 'te-form' to create a polite but firm request.
明日からすぐに働くことになったよ！
It's been decided I'll start working right away tomorrow!
The 'koto ni natta' ending shows an external decision was made.
彼は休憩が終わっても、すぐに働かない。
Even when the break ends, he doesn't work immediately.
Using the negative form to express frustration.
私の猫は、ご飯を食べてもすぐに働かないで寝る。
My cat doesn't work immediately after eating; he just sleeps.
Humorous because cats don't actually 'work'.
困っている人のために、すぐに働きたいです。
I want to work immediately for the sake of people in trouble.
The 'tai' form expresses a personal wish or desire.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle.
{明日|あした}からすぐ___ {働|はたら}けます。
'Sugu-ni' is the standard adverbial form used with verbs.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a job interview?
Choose the best response to: 'いつから{来|こ}られますか？'
'Hatarakeru' (can work) shows your capability and availability politely.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {店|みせ}が{忙|いそが}しいです！ B: わかりました。___。
If the shop is busy, the logical response is to start working.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You just graduated and got a job right away.
This correctly describes the transition from school to work.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises{明日|あした}からすぐ___ {働|はたら}けます。
'Sugu-ni' is the standard adverbial form used with verbs.
Choose the best response to: 'いつから{来|こ}られますか？'
'Hatarakeru' (can work) shows your capability and availability politely.
A: {店|みせ}が{忙|いそが}しいです！ B: わかりました。___。
If the shop is busy, the logical response is to start working.
Situation: You just graduated and got a job right away.
This correctly describes the transition from school to work.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions'Sugu-ni' is the adverbial form. 'Sugu' is more casual and often used in spoken Japanese, but 'sugu-ni' is safer for learners.
Yes! You can say 'すぐに{勉強|べんきょう}する' (to study immediately).
Yes, using the imperative 'hatarake' is very rude. Use 'hataraite kudasai' for a polite request.
'{後|あと}で{働|はたら}く' (work later) or '{休|やす}んでから{働|はたら}く' (work after resting).
Yes, but '{早速|さっそく}{業務|ぎょうむ}に{取|と}り{掛|か}かります' is more professional for business emails.
Related Phrases
{即戦力|そくせんりょく}
specialized formImmediate asset / ready-to-work person
{早速|さっそく}{始|はじ}める
similarTo start without delay
{仕事|しごと}に{取|と}り{掛|か}かる
similarTo set about one's work
{休|やす}まずに{働|はたら}く
builds onTo work without resting
