Immediate Action: -는 즉시
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -는 즉시 to indicate that one action happens immediately upon the completion of another.
- Attach -는 즉시 directly to the verb stem: 도착하는 즉시 (as soon as [I] arrive).
- It implies a zero-latency transition between the first action and the second.
- It is mostly used in formal or written contexts, such as business emails or instructions.
Overview
The Korean grammar pattern -는 즉시 (neun jeuk-si) is the most powerful and precise tool for expressing absolute immediacy. It describes an action that occurs the very instant a preceding action is completed, leaving zero room for delay. While other patterns translate to "as soon as," -는 즉시 elevates this to a near-simultaneous, cause-and-effect relationship.
It's the grammatical equivalent of a trigger pull: the first action's completion is the second action's start.
The core of this pattern is the Sino-Korean noun 즉시 (卽時; jeuk-si), which literally translates to "immediate time" or "right then time." This origin provides a critical clue to its usage: it is formal, precise, and carries a sense of gravity or mechanical certainty. You use it when the connection between two events is non-negotiable and instantaneous. Think of an airbag deploying in a crash—not a moment later, but in the very same instant.
That is the level of immediacy that -는 즉시 conveys.
It is most frequently encountered in formal written instructions, legal documents, technical manuals, and serious verbal commands where urgency is paramount. For instance, in a financial context, you might see 입금이 확인되는 즉시 효력이 발생합니다 (It becomes effective the instant the deposit is confirmed). This isn't just "when" the deposit is confirmed; it's a legal or systemic trigger.
Understanding this pattern moves you from simply sequencing events to defining their critical, time-sensitive relationship.
How This Grammar Works
-는 즉시 is a textbook example of how Korean uses noun-modifying forms to build complex ideas. At its heart, the pattern combines an action verb with a dependent noun to create a specific time clause.- 1Action Verb Stem: The base form of the verb, with
-다removed (e.g.,보내다→보내-). - 2
-는(neun): This is the present tense adnominal suffix (or 관형사형 어미). Its sole function is to transform an action verb into a descriptive clause that can modify a noun. Think of it as the Korean equivalent of the English "-ing" in a phrase like "the person running to the store," or the relative pronoun "that" in "the action that occurs." - 3
즉시(jeuk-si): This is a noun meaning "the instant" or "the immediate moment." In this grammatical structure, it acts as the object being modified by the verb clause.
[Verb Stem]-는 즉시, you are literally creating the phrase: "the instant that [Verb]-ing occurs."도착하- | Verb Stem | "arrive" |-는 | Present Adnominal Suffix | "that is arriving" or "arriving" |즉시 | Dependent Noun | "the instant" |- Literal Combination:
도착하는+즉시→ "the arriving instant" - Natural Translation: "Immediately upon arriving" or "The very second one arrives."
-는 즉시 clause. For example, in the sentence 보고서를 받는 즉시 검토하겠습니다 (I will review the report immediately upon receiving it), the act of reviewing is not just the next thing on the to-do list; it is framed as the direct, automatic response to the trigger of receiving the report.Formation Pattern
동사). It cannot be used with descriptive verbs/adjectives (형용사) or the copula 이다 (to be). The logic is that 즉시 marks the instantaneous point of an action's completion. A state or quality, like being 예쁘다 (pretty) or 조용하다 (quiet), does not have a distinct point of completion to trigger an immediate subsequent action.
문이 열리는 즉시 (The moment the door opens)
날씨가 좋은 즉시 (Grammatically nonsensical)
-는
-는 to the verb stem. This rule is simple and does not change based on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
가다 (to go) | 가- | Vowel | 가- + -는 즉시 | 가는 즉시 |
닫다 (to close) | 닫- | Consonant | 닫- + -는 즉시 | 닫는 즉시 |
듣다 (to hear/listen) | 듣- | ㄷ Irregular | 듣- + -는 즉시 | 듣는 즉시 |
짓다 (to build) | 짓- | ㅅ Irregular | 짓- + -는 즉시 | 짓는 즉시 |
ㄹ Stems:
ㄹ in the verb stem is dropped before certain consonants (e.g., 만들다 → 만듭니다), the ㄹ is retained before -는.
만들다 (to make) → 만들 + -는 즉시 → 만드는 즉시 (Correct)
열다 (to open) → 열 + -는 즉시 → 여는 즉시 (Incorrect) → 여는 즉시 (Correct: wait, I made a mistake in my internal logic. 열다 -> 여는 is a common mistake. It should be 여는 is wrong, 여는 즉시 is what learners might do, but 열다 + 는 -> 여는. No, that's not right either. ㄹ drops before ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅅ. So 열다 + -는 -> 여는. Let me re-verify. Yes, ㄹ is dropped before ㄴ. My previous note was wrong. I must correct this to be accurate.)
ㄹ Stems:
ㄹ, the ㄹ is dropped before attaching -는. This is a regular and predictable rule for this suffix.
만들다 (to make) → 만들- → ㄹ drops → 만드- + -는 즉시 → 만드는 즉시
열다 (to open) → 열- → ㄹ drops → 여- + -는 즉시 → 여는 즉시
팔다 (to sell) → 팔- → ㄹ drops → 파- + -는 즉시 → 파는 즉시
-는 즉시 clause itself is tenseless. The overall tense of the sentence (past, present, or future) is determined solely by the final verb in the main clause.
수업이 끝나는 즉시 집에 갔어요. (I went home the instant the class ended.)
알람이 울리는 즉시 일어납니다. (I get up the instant the alarm rings.)
결정이 내려지는 즉시 알려 드리겠습니다. (I will let you know the instant a decision is made.)
When To Use It
-는 즉시 over other similar expressions is a matter of understanding nuance, formality, and intent.- Public transport announcement:
출입문이 닫히는 즉시 열차가 출발하오니 무리한 탑승을 삼가 주십시오.(The train will depart the instant the doors close, so please refrain from forcing your way on.) - Terms of Service:
서비스 요금은 매월 1일 자동 결제되며, 미납 시에는 서비스가 중단되는 즉시 모든 데이터에 대한 접근이 차단됩니다.(The service fee is automatically charged on the 1st of each month, and in case of non-payment, access to all data will be blocked the instant the service is suspended.)
사용자가 '저장' 버튼을 누르는 즉시 데이터가 클라우드에 동기화됩니다.(The data is synchronized to the cloud the instant the user presses the 'Save' button.)온도가 설정값을 초과하는 즉시 냉각팬이 작동하기 시작합니다.(The cooling fan starts operating the instant the temperature exceeds the set value.)
-는 즉시 verbally adds significant weight and seriousness to a request or statement. It signals that something is of critical importance.- A serious request to a friend:
그 소식을 듣는 즉시 나에게 알려줘야 해. 정말 중요해.(You have to let me know the very second you hear that news. It's really important.) - A parent to a child:
학교 끝나는 즉시 집으로 와.(Come home the instant school ends.) This is much stronger and more commanding than끝나면 와(Come when it ends).
-는 즉시 vs. -자마자-는 즉시 and the more general -자마자 (as soon as).-는 즉시 | -자마자 |알람이 울리는 즉시 일어났다. (Sounds robotic, like a machine executing a command.) | 알람이 울리자마자 일어났다. (Natural way to say "I got up as soon as the alarm rang.") |부장님 지시가 내려오는 즉시 실행하겠습니다. (I will execute the director's order the instant it is given. - formal, subordinate context) | 회의가 끝나자마자 전화할게. (I'll call you as soon as the meeting ends. - casual plan) |내가 도착하는 즉시 문이 열렸다. (The door opened the instant I arrived.) | More commonly used with the same subject, but can have different subjects. Feels most natural when describing one person's sequence of actions. |Common Mistakes
-는 즉시 by misjudging its grammatical constraints or social context.형용사)- Incorrect:
방이 조용한 즉시 공부를 시작할게요. - Why it's wrong:
조용하다(to be quiet) is a state. It doesn't have a singular point of completion that can trigger the next action. Is the room quiet now? Or now? The trigger is undefined. - Correction: You must use a pattern designed for states or conditions.
방이 조용해지면 공부를 시작할게요.(I'll start studying when the room becomes quiet.) The verb조용해지다(to become quiet) is an action verb, so it can also be used:방이 조용해지는 즉시...(The instant the room becomes quiet...), though this still sounds a bit overly dramatic.
- Incorrect:
어제 이메일을 받았는 즉시 답장을 보냈어요. - Why it's wrong: The form
-는 즉시is fixed. Its job is to link two actions in time, not to be independently tensed. The overall time of the event is clear from the final verb (보냈어요). - Correction:
어제 이메일을 받는 즉시 답장을 보냈어요.(I sent a reply the instant I received the email yesterday.)
- Awkward:
저는 아침에 일어나는 즉시 물을 마셔요.(I drink water the instant I wake up in the morning.) - Why it's wrong: While grammatically correct, it's socially awkward. The action is too simple and personal for such a formal, rigid structure. It lacks the natural flow of spoken language.
- Correction: Use a more common, softer pattern.
저는 아침에 일어나자마자 물을 마셔요.(I drink water as soon as I wake up) or저는 아침에 일어나면 물을 마셔요.(I drink water when I wake up).
도착 즉시 and get confused. This is a shortened form.- Context:
도착 즉시 연락 주세요.(Please contact me immediately upon arrival.) - Why it works:
도착(arrival) is a Sino-Korean noun derived from the verb도착하다. In formal written language, you can often omit-하는with these types of nouns (행위 명사). This is essentially a contraction:도착하는 즉시→도착 즉시. This works with other similar nouns like확인(confirmation),입금(deposit),체결(signing/conclusion). - The Mistake: Trying to apply this to native Korean verbs. You cannot say
*열 즉시from열다. You must say여는 즉시.
Real Conversations
Seeing -는 즉시 in context highlights its distinct roles in formal and urgent situations.
Scenario 1
User:
환불 요청을 했는데 아직 처리가 안 됐습니다. 언제쯤 받을 수 있나요?
(I requested a refund, but it hasn't been processed yet. When can I expect to receive it?)
Agent:
고객님, 죄송합니다. 내부 시스템 오류가 있었습니다. 담당팀에서 오류를 수정하는 즉시 환불 처리가 진행될 예정입니다. 처리되는 즉시 다시 안내해 드리겠습니다.
(We apologize, customer. There was an internal system error. The refund will be processed the instant the responsible team corrects the error. We will inform you again the instant it is processed.)
Analysis
-는 즉시 twice to convey a sense of procedural certainty and to formally reassure the customer that the actions are linked within a system.Scenario 2
Min-jun:
서류 면접 결과 나왔어?
(Did the document screening results come out?)
Ji-soo:
아니 아직. 근데 오늘 나온다고 했어. 결과 나오는 즉시 알려줄게.
(No, not yet. But they said it would be out today. I'll let you know the very second the results are out.)
Min-jun:
제발... 나 너무 떨려. 확인하는 즉시 카톡해줘!
(Please... I'm so nervous. Text me the instant you check!)
Analysis
-는 즉시 to emphasize the high-stakes, urgent nature of the situation. 알려줄게 and 카톡해줘 are informal endings, but the grammar pattern itself adds a layer of intensity.Quick FAQ
Noun + 즉시?Yes, this is common in formal and written contexts, but only with Sino-Korean nouns that represent an action (known as 행위 명사). For example, 확인 (confirmation), 도착 (arrival), 발견 (discovery), and 종료 (termination). So, 확인하는 즉시 becomes 확인 즉시, and 종료되는 즉시 becomes 종료 즉시. This is a form of abbreviation for conciseness and is very common in news headlines and official notices.
즉시 (immediately) and 즉석 (instant, e.g., in 즉석식품 - instant food)?They are linguistic cousins! Both words share the Hanja character 卽 (즉), which means "immediate," "on the spot," or "right then." 즉시 (卽時) combines it with 時 (시 - time) to mean "immediate time." 즉석 (卽席) combines it with 席 (석 - seat/place) to mean "immediate place" or "on the spot." Recognizing this shared root helps you understand the core concept of immediacy embedded in both words.
이다, but what if I want to say "the moment something is something"?This is grammatically and logically very rare in Korean. The pattern requires a trigger with a clear endpoint. The state of 'being' something (-이다) is continuous. Instead of trying to force it, you would use a different structure. For example, instead of a hypothetical "학생인 즉시...", you would say 학생이 되면 (if/when one becomes a student) or another conditional clause that fits the context.
집에 오는 즉시 씻어 and 집에 오자마자 씻어?집에 오자마자 씻어 feels like strong, natural advice or a standard household rule. It means, "As soon as you get home, you should wash up." The tone is firm but normal. 집에 오는 즉시 씻어 feels like a strict, almost military-style command. It implies a critical reason for the immediacy, perhaps due to a pandemic or extreme dirtiness. The emotional weight is significantly heavier, and failure to comply seems to carry a real consequence.
Formation Table
| Verb Stem | Suffix | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
도착하
|
는 즉시
|
도착하는 즉시
|
As soon as arrive
|
|
끝나
|
는 즉시
|
끝나는 즉시
|
As soon as finish
|
|
확인하
|
는 즉시
|
확인하는 즉시
|
As soon as check
|
|
받
|
는 즉시
|
받는 즉시
|
As soon as receive
|
|
보
|
는 즉시
|
보는 즉시
|
As soon as see
|
|
먹
|
는 즉시
|
먹는 즉시
|
As soon as eat
|
Meanings
This grammar structure functions as a temporal connector meaning 'as soon as' or 'the moment that'. It emphasizes the lack of delay between two events.
Immediate Sequence
Indicates that the second clause occurs directly after the first clause is finished.
“회의가 끝나는 즉시 보고해 주세요.”
“문제가 발생하는 즉시 알려주시기 바랍니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V-는 즉시
|
도착하는 즉시 전화하세요.
|
|
Negative
|
V-지 않는 즉시
|
준비되지 않는 즉시 중단하세요.
|
|
Question
|
V-는 즉시 ~?
|
도착하는 즉시 시작할까요?
|
|
Past Tense (Main)
|
V-는 즉시 V-았/었다
|
도착하는 즉시 연락했습니다.
|
|
Future Tense (Main)
|
V-는 즉시 V-을 것이다
|
도착하는 즉시 연락할 것입니다.
|
|
Formal
|
V-는 즉시
|
확인하는 즉시 보고하십시오.
|
Formality Spectrum
도착하는 즉시 연락드리겠습니다. (Professional/Social)
도착하는 즉시 연락할게요. (Professional/Social)
도착하는 즉시 연락할게. (Professional/Social)
도착하자마자 콜해. (Professional/Social)
Immediate Sequence Concept
Result
- Action B Immediate follow-up
Examples by Level
도착하는 즉시 전화하세요.
Call as soon as you arrive.
끝나는 즉시 가요.
Go as soon as it ends.
보는 즉시 말해요.
Tell me as soon as you see it.
먹는 즉시 자요.
Sleep as soon as you eat.
메일을 확인하는 즉시 답장하겠습니다.
I will reply as soon as I check the email.
결과가 나오는 즉시 알려주세요.
Please let me know as soon as the results come out.
비가 그치는 즉시 출발합시다.
Let's leave as soon as the rain stops.
준비가 되는 즉시 시작할게요.
I will start as soon as it is ready.
문제가 발생하는 즉시 관리자에게 보고하십시오.
Report to the manager as soon as a problem occurs.
회의가 끝나는 즉시 사무실로 오세요.
Come to the office as soon as the meeting ends.
상품을 받는 즉시 검수해 주시기 바랍니다.
Please inspect the product as soon as you receive it.
지시를 받는 즉시 실행에 옮겼습니다.
I put it into action as soon as I received the instruction.
시스템 오류를 발견하는 즉시 기술팀에 연락해야 합니다.
You must contact the tech team as soon as you discover a system error.
계약서에 서명하는 즉시 효력이 발생합니다.
It becomes effective as soon as you sign the contract.
대피 방송이 나오는 즉시 밖으로 나가십시오.
Go outside as soon as the evacuation announcement is made.
입금이 확인되는 즉시 배송이 시작됩니다.
Shipping begins as soon as the deposit is confirmed.
법안이 통과되는 즉시 시행될 예정입니다.
It is scheduled to be implemented as soon as the bill is passed.
데이터가 수집되는 즉시 분석에 착수할 것입니다.
We will begin analysis as soon as the data is collected.
위험 요소를 인지하는 즉시 조치를 취해야 합니다.
You must take measures as soon as you perceive the risk factors.
현장에 도착하는 즉시 상황을 파악해 주십시오.
Please assess the situation as soon as you arrive at the scene.
본 규정은 공포되는 즉시 발효됩니다.
This regulation enters into force as soon as it is promulgated.
신호가 감지되는 즉시 자동 응답 시스템이 가동됩니다.
The automated response system activates as soon as the signal is detected.
의결이 완료되는 즉시 결과를 공표할 방침입니다.
We plan to announce the results as soon as the resolution is completed.
증상이 호전되는 즉시 퇴원 절차를 밟을 것입니다.
We will proceed with discharge procedures as soon as the symptoms improve.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'as soon as'.
Both imply immediacy.
Both involve sequence.
Common Mistakes
밥 즉시 먹어요
밥을 먹는 즉시 먹어요
도착 즉시
도착하는 즉시
끝나자 즉시
끝나는 즉시
가 즉시
가는 즉시
친구 만나는 즉시 놀아요
친구를 만나는 즉시 놀아요
비가 오는 즉시
비가 그치는 즉시
숙제 하는 즉시
숙제를 하는 즉시
도착하는 즉시로
도착하는 즉시
보고하는 즉시 했습니다
보고하는 즉시 보고했습니다
말하는 즉시 했어요
말하는 즉시 했습니다
도착하는 즉시가
도착하는 즉시
결정하는 즉시로
결정하는 즉시
확인하는 즉시를
확인하는 즉시
시작하는 즉시로
시작하는 즉시
Sentence Patterns
___하는 즉시 ___하겠습니다.
___가 발생하는 즉시 ___하십시오.
___하는 즉시 효력이 발생합니다.
___하는 즉시 분석에 착수하겠습니다.
Real World Usage
확인하는 즉시 회신 부탁드립니다.
오류 발생 시 즉시 중단하십시오.
서명하는 즉시 효력이 발생합니다.
경보가 울리는 즉시 대피하십시오.
입금 확인하는 즉시 배송하겠습니다.
업무를 배정받는 즉시 최선을 다하겠습니다.
Register Check
Noun Trap
Professionalism
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use -는 즉시 to sound more efficient.
Use -는 즉시 to emphasize urgency.
Use -는 즉시 to show responsibility.
Use -는 즉시 to define timelines.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄴ' in '는' often blends with the following 'ㅈ' sound.
Formal Statement
도착하는 즉시 연락하겠습니다. ↘
Professional and definitive.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Jeuk-si' as 'Just-see'. You see it, you do it, just like that!
Visual Association
Imagine a relay race where the baton is passed the exact millisecond the runner reaches the mark. No pause, no hesitation.
Rhyme
When the action is done, and you need it fast, use -는 즉시 to make it last.
Story
Agent Kim is on a mission. He receives a signal. The moment he receives it (받는 즉시), he moves. He doesn't wait. He acts immediately.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your daily routine using -는 즉시 for things you do immediately after waking up.
Cultural Notes
In Korean corporate culture, using -는 즉시 shows you are efficient and respect the other person's time.
Derived from the Sino-Korean '즉시' (即時), meaning 'immediate time'.
Conversation Starters
업무를 마치면 무엇을 하시나요?
비행기가 착륙하면 무엇을 먼저 하시나요?
문제가 생기면 어떻게 대처하시나요?
새로운 소식을 들으면 어떻게 하시나요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
도착___ 즉시 연락하세요.
Which is formal?
Find and fix the mistake:
점심 즉시 먹어요.
도착하면 바로 전화해.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
확인 / 즉시 / 답장 / 하겠습니다
___ 즉시 보고하십시오.
문제가 ___ 즉시 알려주세요.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises도착___ 즉시 연락하세요.
Which is formal?
Find and fix the mistake:
점심 즉시 먹어요.
도착하면 바로 전화해.
도착하는 즉시
확인 / 즉시 / 답장 / 하겠습니다
___ 즉시 보고하십시오.
문제가 ___ 즉시 알려주세요.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises집에 ___ 손을 씻어요. (I wash my hands immediately upon going/getting home.)
티켓을 ___ 입장할 수 있습니다. (You can enter immediately upon buying the ticket.)
나는 배고픈 즉시 밥을 먹었다.
/ 즉시 / 떠나세요 / 끝나는 / .
I woke up immediately upon hearing the alarm.
Match the following:
열쇠를 ___ 알려줄게. (I'll let you know the moment I find the keys.)
In which situation is `-는 즉시` most appropriate?
집을 팔는 즉시 이사할 거야.
확인하는 / 답장할게요 / 즉시 / 이메일을 / .
영화가 끝나는 즉시...
How do you say 'The moment you DON'T see it'?
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, it sounds too formal and stiff. Use -자마자 instead.
No, the structure -는 즉시 is fixed. The tense is determined by the final verb.
It is a connector attached to a verb stem.
It is not 'better', just more formal and professional.
Yes, e.g., '도착하는 즉시 연락했습니다'.
It is common in professional life, but rare in casual daily life.
It will be grammatically incorrect. Always use a verb.
Yes, it is very common in formal writing.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
tan pronto como
Korean is strictly formal.
dès que
Korean is more register-sensitive.
sobald
Korean attaches to the verb stem.
～次第
Korean uses a different root.
一...就...
Korean is more formal.
بمجرد أن
Korean is a suffix.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal 'By' Agent (-에 의해)
Overview In Korean, expressing agency – the 'by' in 'done by' – isn't a one-size-fits-all matter as it often is in Engli...
Based On: -을/를 바탕으로
Overview In Korean, expressing that an action, creation, or judgment is **based on** a particular source is crucial for...
The 'Double Passive' Vibe (Advanced Causative Passive)
Overview Korean, like many languages, employs grammatical mechanisms to shift focus within a sentence. The **Double Pass...
The Inference Ending: It looks like... (-나/는가 보다)
Overview As you navigate the complexities of B2-level Korean, you encounter grammar that allows for more nuanced express...
Expressing Shock: -다니 (How Could...)
Overview **-다니** (romanized: -dani) is an upper-intermediate (B2) Korean grammar pattern used to express strong surpr...
