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A2 adverb #800 most common 11 min read

즉시

Top 800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 즉시 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 즉시 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '즉시' (jeoksi) as a very strong version of 'now.' While you might already know '지금' (jigeum) for 'now,' '즉시' is used when something needs to happen right away, without any waiting. Imagine a button on a computer—when you press it, the screen changes '즉시.' In simple sentences, it usually comes before the action word (verb). For example, if you want to say 'Go now!' in a very serious way, you could say '즉시 가세요!' It is most commonly seen on signs or in simple instructions. At this stage, just remember that '즉시' means 'No waiting, do it now.'

At the A2 level, you should start to distinguish '즉시' from other words like '바로' (baro). While '바로' is used in everyday conversation ('I'll do it right away'), '즉시' is slightly more formal and is often found in written instructions or public announcements. You will see it in sentences like '결제 즉시 이메일이 옵니다' (An email comes immediately upon payment). Notice how it is often used to describe two things happening one after the other very quickly. It is an adverb, so it describes *how* or *when* an action is done. You don't need to add any special endings to it; just put it before the verb.

At the B1 level, you will encounter '즉시' in more professional and social contexts. It is frequently used in business emails to request immediate action or to describe a company's fast service. For example, '문의 사항에 대해 즉시 답변해 드리겠습니다' (We will answer your inquiries immediately). You should also notice it being used with the '-자마자' (as soon as) grammar pattern to emphasize that there was no time gap between two events. At this level, you should be able to use '즉시' to convey urgency in your writing and understand its use in news reports or official documents where '바로' might feel too casual.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance of '즉시' as an expression of 'zero latency.' It is often used in technical, medical, or legal contexts. For instance, in a medical emergency, a doctor might need to act '즉시.' In legal terms, '즉시 항고' refers to an 'immediate appeal,' which has a specific legal deadline. You should also be able to recognize '즉시' in literature or higher-level news articles where it might be used to describe a character's sudden realization or a rapid change in the political landscape. At this stage, you should also be aware of its synonyms like '즉각' (jeokgak) and know that '즉각' is even more formal and often used in military or governmental 'prompt' responses.

At the C1 level, your mastery of '즉시' should include its use in complex sentence structures and its abstract applications. You might see it in philosophical or psychological texts discussing '즉시성' (immediacy) of perception or experience. You should be able to use it to discuss systemic efficiencies, such as '즉시 인도 방식' (Just-In-Time delivery) in logistics. At this level, you should also be sensitive to the tone it sets—using '즉시' instead of '바로' in a creative essay can change the mood from casual to intense or clinical. You should be able to analyze why an author chose '즉시' over other temporal adverbs to create a specific effect of urgency or mechanical precision.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '즉시' and its place within the broader spectrum of Korean temporal expressions. You understand its historical roots in Hanja (卽時) and how it contrasts with native Korean expressions. You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal drafting, or diplomatic communication where precision is paramount. You are aware of its role in fixed idiomatic expressions and technical jargon across various fields like computer science (immediate addressing), law (immediate execution), and economics. You can effortlessly switch between '즉시,' '즉각,' '당장,' and '속히' depending on the exact nuance of urgency, formality, and authority required by the context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

즉시 in 30 Seconds

즉시 means 'immediately' and emphasizes zero delay.
It is more formal than the common word '바로'.
Commonly found in warnings, apps, and business contexts.
Often used with the '-자마자' (as soon as) grammar pattern.

The Korean word 즉시 (jeoksi) is a powerful adverb that translates most directly to 'immediately,' 'instantly,' or 'without delay.' Derived from the Hanja characters 卽 (jeok), meaning 'immediate' or 'to approach,' and 時 (si), meaning 'time,' the word literally points to an action occurring at the very moment of a trigger. In the fast-paced culture of South Korea, often referred to as the 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture, 즉시 is a linguistic staple used to convey urgency, efficiency, and the expectation of real-time results. Whether you are navigating a business transaction, responding to an emergency, or simply following instructions on a digital app, 즉시 sets a strict temporal boundary: there is no waiting period allowed.

Core Concept: Zero latency between a cause and its effect. It is the verbal equivalent of a snap of the fingers.
Tone and Register: While it can be used in daily speech, it carries a slightly more formal or decisive weight than the common word '바로' (baro). It is frequently seen in written notices, legal documents, and professional settings.

문제가 발생하면 즉시 관리자에게 연락하세요. (If a problem occurs, contact the manager immediately.)

In a technological context, 즉시 is used to describe automated processes. For instance, when you receive a notification that your payment was 'instantly' processed, the word used is almost always 즉시. It implies a systematic or mechanical speed that is beyond human 'quickness.' It is not just about being fast; it is about the elimination of the gap between the 'now' and the 'next.' This makes it an essential word for anyone living in Korea, as it appears on everything from subway safety signs to microwave popcorn instructions.

Furthermore, 즉시 functions as a 'trigger word' in social interactions. When a superior in a Korean workplace says something must be done 즉시, it signals that all other tasks should be deprioritized. It is the linguistic marker of a high-priority interrupt. Understanding the weight of this word helps learners navigate the social hierarchy and expectations of responsiveness in Korean society. It is more than just a measurement of time; it is an expression of priority and the value of the recipient's attention.

주문을 취소하고 싶으면 즉시 버튼을 누르세요. (If you want to cancel the order, press the button immediately.)

Social Context: In Korea, providing '즉시 서비스' (immediate service) is a hallmark of a high-quality business. Speed is often equated with respect for the customer's time.

To summarize, 즉시 is the gold standard for 'now.' It bridges the gap between thought and action, requirement and fulfillment. As you progress in your Korean studies, you will notice it appearing in more complex grammatical structures, but its core meaning remains steadfast: the time for action is not in five minutes, not in one minute, but right this second.

Using 즉시 (jeoksi) correctly involves understanding its placement as an adverb. In Korean, adverbs typically precede the verb or adjective they modify. Because 즉시 describes the timing of an action, it is almost always placed directly before the verb to emphasize that the action must happen without delay. However, for stylistic emphasis, it can sometimes appear at the beginning of a sentence, especially in commands or urgent warnings.

Grammar Rule 1: Verb Modification: Place '즉시' before the verb. Example: '즉시 떠나다' (To leave immediately).
Grammar Rule 2: Noun Modification: To modify a noun, you use the form '즉각적인' (immediate), but '즉시' can be used as a prefix in compound nouns like '즉시 처분' (immediate disposal).

그는 소식을 듣자마자 즉시 집으로 달려갔다. (As soon as he heard the news, he immediately ran home.)

One of the most common patterns for 즉시 is its pairing with the grammar structure '-자마자' (as soon as). This creates a double emphasis on the speed of the reaction. While '-자마자' already implies 'as soon as,' adding 즉시 clarifies that there was absolutely no hesitation. This is common in storytelling to show a character's decisive nature or in news reports to describe rapid developments.

In formal writing, such as emails or contracts, 즉시 is used to define deadlines. For example, '입금 즉시 배송' (Shipping immediately upon deposit) is a standard phrase in e-commerce. Here, 즉시 acts almost like a conditional promise. It assures the customer that the company's internal processes are optimized for speed. In these cases, it is often placed after a noun that represents the triggering event.

사고 시 즉시 119에 신고하십시오. (In case of an accident, report it immediately to 119.)

Usage in Commands: When giving a command, '즉시' adds a layer of non-negotiable urgency. It is stronger than '지금' (now).

Finally, consider the negative context. While you wouldn't usually say 'not immediately' using 즉시 (you would use '바로 ...하지 않다'), you can use it to describe a failure to act. '즉시 대응하지 못했다' (Could not respond immediately) is a common phrase in critiques of government or corporate handling of crises. This highlights that 즉시 is the expected standard, and anything less is a failure.

You will encounter 즉시 (jeoksi) in a variety of real-world scenarios in Korea, ranging from the mundane to the critical. One of the most frequent places is in public transportation. If you listen to the announcements on the Seoul Metro, especially during emergencies or when there are safety reminders, the word 즉시 is used to instruct passengers on what to do if they spot a fire or a suspicious object. The goal is to ensure that passengers do not hesitate, as hesitation in those moments could be life-threatening.

Public Safety: Subway announcements: '비상시 즉시 승무원에게 알리십시오' (In an emergency, inform the crew immediately).
Digital Apps: Banking apps: '즉시 이체' (Immediate transfer) refers to real-time money movement between accounts.

이 카드는 결제 즉시 문자로 알림이 옵니다. (This card sends a text notification immediately upon payment.)

In the workplace, 즉시 is the language of the 'report.' If a project manager asks for a '즉시 보고' (immediate report), they are not looking for a polished 20-page document; they want the current status right now. It reflects the high-pressure environment of Korean 'chaebols' (large conglomerates) and startups alike, where information flow must be instantaneous to keep up with market changes. Hearing this word from a boss usually means you should stop what you are doing and provide an answer.

Another interesting place you'll see this word is in advertisements. '즉시 할인' (immediate discount) is a common marketing tactic. Unlike 'cashback' or 'points' which you might use later, a 즉시 할인 is applied right at the checkout. This appeals to the Korean consumer's desire for transparency and instant gratification. You see it on banners in Myeongdong or on pop-up ads in shopping apps like Coupang or Kurly.

신규 회원 가입 시 즉시 사용 가능한 쿠폰을 드립니다. (Upon signing up as a new member, we give you a coupon that can be used immediately.)

Customer Service: Chatbots often say: '상담원에게 즉시 연결해 드리겠습니다' (I will connect you to an agent immediately).

Lastly, in the legal and administrative world, 즉시 has a technical meaning. '즉시 항고' (immediate appeal) is a specific legal procedure with a very short window for filing. In this context, the word is not just a general adverb but a legal term of art that defines the rights and obligations of citizens. Whether it's a life-saving instruction or a shopping perk, 즉시 is everywhere in the Korean landscape.

For English speakers learning Korean, the most common mistake with 즉시 (jeoksi) is confusing it with other words that also mean 'soon' or 'right now,' such as '곧' (got), '금방' (geumbang), and '바로' (baro). While they all deal with time, their nuances are distinct. Using 즉시 when you should use '곧' can make you sound overly dramatic or demanding, as 즉시 implies a zero-second delay, whereas '곧' allows for a few minutes or a short period of time.

Mistake 1: 즉시 vs. 곧: '곧' means 'soon' (e.g., 'I'll be there soon'). '즉시' means 'this very instant.' Don't say '즉시 갈게요' to a friend unless it's an emergency; '곧 갈게' is more natural.
Mistake 2: 즉시 vs. 바로: '바로' is more versatile and used in casual speech. '즉시' is more formal. Using '즉시' in a casual conversation with friends can sound like you're reading from a textbook.

❌ 저녁 즉시 먹을 거예요. (I will eat dinner immediately - sounds like a robot.)
✅ 저녁 바로 먹을 거예요. (I'll eat dinner right away - natural.)

Another mistake is the grammatical placement. Some learners try to use 즉시 as a noun, like 'The immediate is important.' However, 즉시 is primarily an adverb. If you need a noun form, you should look for '즉시성' (immediacy) or '즉각' (promptness). Furthermore, learners often forget that 즉시 doesn't need a particle like '-에' to function. Saying '즉시에' is incorrect; the word itself already contains the temporal meaning.

Confusion also arises with '금방' (geumbang). '금방' can mean 'just now' (past) or 'in a moment' (future). 즉시 only refers to the moment of action and doesn't have the 'just now' past-tense meaning. If you want to say 'I just did it,' you use '금방 했어요,' not '즉시 했어요.' Using 즉시 in the past tense usually implies 'I did it immediately after [something else happened],' rather than 'I did it a moment ago.'

❌ 즉시 왔어요. (I came immediately - missing the context of what triggered the coming.)
✅ 금방 왔어요. (I just got here.)

Register Awareness: Using '즉시' in a text message to a romantic partner might come off as cold or demanding. Stick to '빨리' (quickly) or '바로' (right away) for softer interactions.

To avoid these pitfalls, always ask yourself: 'Is this an automated process, a formal instruction, or an emergency?' If the answer is yes, 즉시 is likely the right choice. If you're just talking about your daily plans, '바로' or '곧' will serve you much better.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for expressing time and speed. Understanding the alternatives to 즉시 (jeoksi) will help you fine-tune your expression. The most common synonym is 바로 (baro). While both mean 'immediately,' 바로 is the 'Swiss Army knife' of the two. It can mean 'right away,' 'straight,' or even 'exactly.' It is much more common in spoken Korean and feels warmer and less robotic than 즉시.

바로 (Baro): The most common spoken alternative. Use it for 'right away' in casual or neutral settings. '바로 갈게요' (I'll go right away).
즉각 (Jeokgak): Even more formal than '즉시'. Often used in military or political contexts to describe a 'prompt' response. '즉각 대응' (Prompt response/retaliation).

정부는 이번 사태에 대해 즉각 조치를 취했습니다. (The government took prompt action regarding this situation.)

Another word to consider is 당장 (dangjang). This word carries a sense of 'right here, right now' and often has a nuance of impatience or demand. If a parent tells a child to clean their room 당장, it’s a stern command. 즉시 is more objective and neutral, whereas 당장 is more emotional and forceful. You wouldn't usually see 당장 in a computer error message, but you would hear it in a heated argument.

For actions that happen 'soon' but not necessarily 'this second,' use 곧 (got) or 금방 (geumbang). 곧 is often used for scheduled events, like 'The train will arrive soon.' 금방 is used when the speaker feels the time is short, like 'I'll finish this in a jiffy.' Neither of these has the 'zero-delay' requirement of 즉시. If you use 즉시 for a train arrival, it would mean the train is already there the moment you speak.

기차가 곧 도착합니다. (The train is arriving soon.) vs. 기차가 즉시 출발합니다. (The train is departing immediately.)

얼른 (Eolleun): Used mostly in speech, often by older people to younger people, meaning 'quickly' or 'without lingering.' '얼른 먹어' (Eat up quickly).

In summary, choose 즉시 for formal, technical, or emergency 'immediacy.' Choose 바로 for everyday 'right away.' Choose 당장 for forceful 'right now.' And choose 곧 for 'soon.' Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 卽 (jeok) originally depicted a person sitting down to eat a meal, implying that the action is happening 'right now' as they approach the food.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕɯk̚.ɕi/

US /t͡ɕɯk̚.ɕi/

The stress is equal on both syllables, as is typical in Korean.

Rhymes With

낚시 (nak-si - fishing) 택시 (taek-si - taxi) 적시 (jeok-si - timely/the right moment) 박시 (bak-si - baggy) 역시 (yeok-si - as expected) 학시 (hak-si - academic city) 각시 (gak-si - bride) 폭시 (pok-si - foxy)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'eu' like 'oo' in 'food'. It should be more like the 'u' in 'pull' but with spread lips.
Fully pronouncing the 'k' (jeok-si) instead of making it an unreleased stop.
Pronouncing 'si' as 'see'. In Korean, 'si' (시) sounds closer to 'shee'.
Adding a pause between 'jeok' and 'si'. It should flow as one word.
Confusing it with 'juk-si' (at the moment of death), which has a different vowel.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its frequent use in signs and apps.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of when to use it versus '바로'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but don't over-aspirate the 'k'.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct sound, often emphasized in announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

지금 (now) 시간 (time) 바로 (right away) 빨리 (quickly) 곧 (soon)

Learn Next

즉각 (promptly) 당장 (right now/on the spot) 속히 (speedily) 즉석 (instant) 즉흥 (impromptu)

Advanced

즉시성 (immediacy) 즉시 항고 (immediate appeal) 시급하다 (to be urgent) 지체 없이 (without delay) 신속하다 (to be rapid)

Grammar to Know

-자마자 (As soon as)

집에 도착하자마자 즉시 잤어요.

-는 대로 (As soon as / In accordance with)

준비되는 대로 즉시 출발합시다.

-기 무섭게 (As soon as - more emphatic)

말이 끝나기 무섭게 즉시 행동했다.

-(으)면 (If/When)

알람이 울리면 즉시 일어나세요.

-아/어/여야 하다 (Must)

이 일은 즉시 끝내야 합니다.

Examples by Level

즉시 가세요.

Go immediately.

즉시 (adverb) + 가세요 (polite command).

즉시 전화해.

Call immediately.

즉시 (adverb) + 전화해 (informal command).

즉시 멈추세요.

Stop immediately.

즉시 (adverb) + 멈추세요 (polite command).

즉시 대답해.

Answer immediately.

즉시 (adverb) + 대답해 (informal command).

우유를 즉시 마셔요.

Drink the milk immediately.

Object (우유) + 즉시 + Verb (마셔요).

즉시 오세요.

Come immediately.

즉시 (adverb) + 오세요 (polite command).

불이 나면 즉시 나가요.

If there is a fire, go out immediately.

Condition (불이 나면) + 즉시 + Verb (나가요).

즉시 시작해요.

Start immediately.

즉시 (adverb) + 시작해요 (polite suggestion/command).

도착하면 즉시 연락해 주세요.

Please contact me immediately when you arrive.

도착하면 (when arrive) + 즉시 + 연락해 주세요 (please contact).

약은 식사 후 즉시 드세요.

Take the medicine immediately after a meal.

식사 후 (after meal) + 즉시 + 드세요 (please eat/take).

결제 즉시 확인 문자가 옵니다.

A confirmation text comes immediately upon payment.

Noun (결제) + 즉시 (immediately upon) + Noun (확인 문자).

문제가 있으면 즉시 알려 주세요.

If there is a problem, please let me know immediately.

문제가 있으면 (if there is a problem) + 즉시 + 알려 주세요 (please inform).

경찰이 즉시 현장에 도착했습니다.

The police arrived at the scene immediately.

Subject (경찰) + 즉시 + 현장에 (at the scene) + 도착했습니다 (arrived).

이 버튼을 누르면 즉시 취소됩니다.

If you press this button, it will be canceled immediately.

누르면 (if press) + 즉시 + 취소됩니다 (is canceled).

위험하니까 즉시 대피하십시오.

It's dangerous, so please evacuate immediately.

위험하니까 (because it's dangerous) + 즉시 + 대피하십시오 (formal command).

편지를 읽고 즉시 답장을 썼어요.

I read the letter and wrote a reply immediately.

읽고 (read and) + 즉시 + 답장을 썼어요 (wrote a reply).

사고가 나자마자 즉시 119에 신고했습니다.

As soon as the accident happened, I immediately reported it to 119.

-자마자 (as soon as) + 즉시 (immediately).

주문하신 상품은 입금 확인 즉시 배송됩니다.

The ordered product will be shipped immediately upon confirmation of payment.

입금 확인 (payment confirmation) + 즉시 (immediately upon).

그는 질문을 받자마자 즉시 대답을 내놓았다.

As soon as he received the question, he immediately gave an answer.

받자마자 (as soon as receiving) + 즉시 + 대답을 내놓았다 (put out an answer).

컴퓨터가 고장 나서 즉시 수리를 맡겼어요.

The computer broke, so I immediately sent it for repair.

고장 나서 (because it broke) + 즉시 + 수리를 맡겼어요 (entrusted for repair).

새로운 소식이 들어오는 대로 즉시 알려드리겠습니다.

I will let you know immediately as soon as new news comes in.

-는 대로 (as soon as/as per) + 즉시 + 알려드리겠습니다 (will inform).

비상벨이 울리면 즉시 건물 밖으로 나가야 합니다.

If the emergency bell rings, you must go outside the building immediately.

울리면 (if rings) + 즉시 + 나가야 합니다 (must go out).

그녀는 화가 나서 즉시 방을 나갔습니다.

She got angry and immediately left the room.

화가 나서 (because she got angry) + 즉시 + 나갔습니다 (left).

회의 결과를 즉시 보고해 주시기 바랍니다.

Please report the meeting results immediately.

즉시 + 보고해 주시기 바랍니다 (formal request for report).

범인은 현장에서 즉시 체포되었습니다.

The criminal was immediately arrested at the scene.

현장에서 (at the scene) + 즉시 + 체포되었습니다 (was arrested).

이 약은 통증을 즉시 완화해 주는 효과가 있습니다.

This medicine has the effect of immediately relieving pain.

통증을 (pain) + 즉시 + 완화해 주는 (relieving) + 효과 (effect).

시스템 오류가 발견되면 즉시 복구 작업을 시작합니다.

If a system error is discovered, recovery work begins immediately.

발견되면 (if discovered) + 즉시 + 복구 작업 (recovery work).

대통령은 이번 사건에 대해 즉시 성명을 발표했습니다.

The president immediately issued a statement regarding this incident.

사건에 대해 (about the incident) + 즉시 + 성명 (statement) + 발표했습니다 (announced).

그의 제안은 이사회에서 즉시 거절당했다.

His proposal was immediately rejected by the board of directors.

이사회에서 (at the board) + 즉시 + 거절당했다 (was rejected).

자연재해 발생 시 즉시 대응할 수 있는 체계를 갖춰야 한다.

We must have a system that can respond immediately in the event of a natural disaster.

발생 시 (at the time of occurrence) + 즉시 + 대응할 수 있는 (able to respond).

그는 자신의 실수를 깨닫고 즉시 사과했다.

He realized his mistake and immediately apologized.

깨닫고 (realize and) + 즉시 + 사과했다 (apologized).

신선도를 위해 수확 즉시 가공 처리를 합니다.

For freshness, processing is done immediately upon harvest.

수확 (harvest) + 즉시 (immediately upon) + 가공 처리 (processing).

법원은 피고의 신청을 즉시 기각했다.

The court immediately dismissed the defendant's application.

피고의 신청 (defendant's application) + 즉시 + 기각했다 (dismissed).

디지털 시대에는 정보의 즉시성이 매우 중요하다.

In the digital age, the immediacy of information is very important.

즉시성 (immediacy - noun form of 즉시).

그는 위기 상황에서 즉시 판단을 내리는 능력이 탁월하다.

He has an excellent ability to make immediate judgments in crisis situations.

즉시 + 판단을 내리는 (making a judgment) + 능력 (ability).

정부는 시장의 혼란을 막기 위해 즉시 개입하기로 결정했다.

The government decided to intervene immediately to prevent market chaos.

혼란을 막기 위해 (to prevent chaos) + 즉시 + 개입하기로 (decided to intervene).

작가는 독자의 반응을 즉시 확인할 수 있는 플랫폼을 선호한다.

The author prefers platforms where they can immediately check the readers' reactions.

반응을 (reaction) + 즉시 + 확인할 수 있는 (able to check).

이 기술은 데이터 전송 즉시 암호화가 이루어집니다.

This technology performs encryption immediately upon data transmission.

전송 (transmission) + 즉시 (immediately upon) + 암호화 (encryption).

그의 발언은 즉시 논란의 중심이 되었다.

His remarks immediately became the center of controversy.

발언 (remarks) + 즉시 + 논란의 중심 (center of controversy).

계약 위반 시 즉시 계약을 해지할 수 있다는 조항이 있다.

There is a clause stating that the contract can be terminated immediately upon breach of contract.

위반 시 (at time of breach) + 즉시 + 해지할 수 있다 (can terminate).

현대 철학에서 즉시성은 주관적 경험의 핵심 요소로 다루어진다.

In modern philosophy, immediacy is treated as a core element of subjective experience.

즉시성 (immediacy) as a philosophical concept.

불복할 경우 즉시 항고를 통해 권리를 구제받을 수 있습니다.

In case of objection, you can seek remedy for your rights through an immediate appeal.

즉시 항고 (immediate appeal - legal term).

뉴미디어의 발달은 사건의 발생과 보도 사이의 즉시성을 극대화했다.

The development of new media has maximized the immediacy between the occurrence of an event and its reporting.

발생과 보도 사이의 즉시성 (immediacy between occurrence and reporting).

해당 조치는 공공의 이익을 위해 즉시 집행되어야 한다.

The measure in question must be executed immediately for the public interest.

즉시 + 집행되어야 한다 (must be executed).

예술가는 찰나의 영감을 즉시 캔버스에 옮겨 담았다.

The artist immediately transferred the fleeting inspiration onto the canvas.

찰나의 영감 (fleeting inspiration) + 즉시 + 옮겨 담았다 (transferred).

이 시스템은 위협을 감지하는 즉시 방어 기제를 작동시킨다.

This system activates defense mechanisms immediately upon detecting a threat.

감지하는 즉시 (immediately upon detecting).

주식 시장은 금리 인상 소식에 즉시 민감하게 반응했다.

The stock market reacted sensitively and immediately to the news of the interest rate hike.

즉시 + 민감하게 (sensitively) + 반응했다 (reacted).

그의 문체는 독자에게 즉시적인 정서적 충격을 안겨준다.

His writing style delivers an immediate emotional impact to the reader.

즉시적인 (immediate - adjective form).

Common Collocations

즉시 실행

즉시 중단

즉시 보고

즉시 처리

즉시 효과

즉시 대응

즉시 삭제

즉시 가용

즉시 답변

즉시 출동

Common Phrases

입금 즉시

— Immediately upon deposit. Used in sales.

입금 즉시 물건을 보냅니다.

발견 즉시

— Immediately upon discovery. Used in safety warnings.

화재 발견 즉시 신고하세요.

도착 즉시

— Immediately upon arrival. Used in travel/logistics.

도착 즉시 연락드리겠습니다.

사용 즉시

— Immediately upon use. Used in instructions.

사용 즉시 뚜껑을 닫으세요.

결제 즉시

— Immediately upon payment. Used in e-commerce.

결제 즉시 다운로드 가능합니다.

수령 즉시

— Immediately upon receipt. Used in deliveries.

물건 수령 즉시 확인해 주세요.

확인 즉시

— Immediately upon confirmation. Used in communication.

메시지 확인 즉시 전화 줘.

발생 즉시

— Immediately upon occurrence. Used in error reporting.

오류 발생 즉시 알려주세요.

개봉 즉시

— Immediately upon opening. Used in food packaging.

개봉 즉시 드시기 바랍니다.

퇴원 즉시

— Immediately upon discharge. Used in medical contexts.

퇴원 즉시 통원 치료를 시작했다.

Often Confused With

즉시 vs 적시 (適時)

Means 'the right time' or 'timely.' Sounds similar but has a different meaning.

즉시 vs 죽시 (竹匙)

A bamboo spoon. Very rare, but phonetically similar.

즉시 vs 직시 (直視)

Means 'to look straight at' or 'to face squarely.' Often confused in fast listening.

Idioms & Expressions

"즉시즉시"

— Doing things promptly every time they occur, without letting them pile up.

할 일은 즉시즉시 처리하는 게 좋다.

Neutral

"즉시 항고"

— A legal term for an immediate appeal against a court's decision.

변호사는 즉시 항고를 제기했다.

Legal

"즉시 처분"

— Immediate disposal or sale of assets.

압류된 물품을 즉시 처분했다.

Legal/Financial

"즉시 전력"

— A person or resource that can be used effectively right away (often in sports or military).

그 선수는 팀의 즉시 전력이 될 것이다.

Sports/Military

"즉시 발효"

— Taking effect immediately (laws, rules).

새로운 규정은 오늘부터 즉시 발효된다.

Official

"즉시 보상"

— Immediate compensation or reward.

피해자들에게 즉시 보상을 실시했다.

Official

"즉시 인도"

— Immediate delivery (of goods).

현장 결제 시 즉시 인도가 가능합니다.

Business

"즉시 응답"

— Immediate response (technical or social).

서버의 즉시 응답이 필요하다.

Technical

"즉시 조치"

— Immediate measures or action.

위험 요소를 제거하기 위해 즉시 조치를 취했다.

Official

"즉시 퇴장"

— Immediate ejection or leaving.

규칙 위반 시 즉시 퇴장당할 수 있습니다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

즉시 vs 바로

Both mean 'immediately.'

바로 is more common in speech and can also mean 'straight' or 'exactly.' 즉시 is more formal and strictly temporal.

바로 뒤에 있어요 (It's right behind you) - 즉시 cannot be used here.

즉시 vs 곧

Both relate to things happening soon.

곧 means 'soon' (a short delay is okay). 즉시 means 'this very second' (no delay allowed).

곧 갈게요 (I'll be there soon) vs. 즉시 오세요 (Come immediately).

즉시 vs 금방

Both imply a short time.

금방 can refer to the past ('just now'). 즉시 only refers to the timing of an action relative to a trigger.

금방 왔어요 (I just got here) - 즉시 cannot be used this way.

즉시 vs 당장

Both mean 'right now.'

당장 is more emotional, demanding, and subjective. 즉시 is more objective and professional.

당장 그만둬! (Stop that right now!) - sounds more natural than 즉시.

즉시 vs 얼른

Both mean 'quickly.'

얼른 is an encouraging word used in speech, often to children. 즉시 is a formal instruction.

얼른 자라 (Go to sleep quickly) - 즉시 would sound too harsh.

Sentence Patterns

즉시 [Verb]!

즉시 가!

[Noun] 즉시 [Verb]

도착 즉시 전화해.

[Verb]-자마자 즉시 [Verb]

먹자마자 즉시 나갔어요.

[Noun] 시 즉시 [Verb]

비상 시 즉시 대피하십시오.

[Noun]의 즉시성

정보의 즉시성이 중요하다.

즉시 항고를 제기하다

변호인은 즉시 항고를 제기했다.

[Noun] 확인 즉시 [Verb]

입금 확인 즉시 배송합니다.

문제가 있으면 즉시 [Verb]

문제가 있으면 즉시 알려주세요.

Word Family

Nouns

즉시성 (immediacy)

즉각 (promptness)

Verbs

즉시하다 (to do immediately - rare, usually used as adverb + verb)

Adjectives

즉각적인 (immediate/prompt)

즉석 (on the spot/instant)

즉흥 (impromptu)

시각 (point in time)

당장 (right now)

바로 (right away)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in written/formal contexts; moderate in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '즉시에' (jeoksi-e). → 즉시 (jeoksi).
Adverbs like '즉시' do not take the time particle '에'.
Using '즉시' to mean 'just now' (past). → 금방 (geumbang) or 방금 (banggeum).
'즉시' refers to the timing of an action, not a point in the recent past.
Using '즉시' for spatial 'right behind/next to'. → 바로 (baro).
'즉시' is only for time. '바로' can be used for both time and space.
Using '즉시' in casual 'I'll be there soon' contexts. → 곧 (got) or 바로 (baro).
'즉시' sounds too formal or urgent for a casual meeting with friends.
Confusing '즉시' with '적시' (timely). → 즉시 (immediately).
Phonetically similar, but '적시' means 'at the appropriate time'.

Tips

Email Professionalism

Use '즉시' when you want to assure a client that you will handle their request right away. It sounds more reliable than '빨리'.

No Particles

Remember that '즉시' doesn't need '에', '를', or '가'. Just drop it into the sentence before the verb.

Emergency Signs

If you see '즉시' on a red sign, it's a safety instruction. Read the verb following it to know what to do (e.g., 신고, 대피).

Hanja Roots

Learning the Hanja 卽 (immediate) will help you understand other words like 즉석 (instant) and 즉흥 (impromptu).

Emphasis

In speech, people often lengthen the '즉' to '즈윽시' to emphasize just how immediate they want the action to be.

Compound Nouns

You can combine '즉시' with nouns to create professional terms like '즉시 배송' or '즉시 할인'.

즉시 vs. 당장

Use '즉시' for systems and processes; use '당장' when you are personally annoyed and want something done now.

Subway Cues

Subway announcements use '즉시' for fire or medical emergencies. It's a key word for safety in Korea.

App Buttons

Look for '즉시' in your banking or shopping apps. It usually means the action happens in real-time.

Synonym Practice

Try replacing '바로' with '즉시' in your practice sentences to see if the tone remains natural or becomes too formal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'J-O-K-S-I'. 'Jokes' happen 'SI' (see) immediately—you laugh the moment you hear them!

Visual Association

Imagine a digital clock showing 00:00:00. The moment a button is pressed, the action happens. No seconds pass.

Word Web

즉시 (Immediate) 바로 (Right away) 지금 (Now) 당장 (Right now!) 곧 (Soon) 금방 (In a moment) 즉각 (Prompt) 즉석 (Instant)

Challenge

Try to find three signs in a Korean subway or public building that use the word '즉시'. Usually, they are related to safety or emergency exits.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). 卽 (jeok) meaning 'immediate' or 'namely' + 時 (si) meaning 'time'.

Original meaning: The very moment of time; without any gap in time.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful using '즉시' with elders or superiors as a command. It is better to use it when describing your own actions ('I will do it immediately') or in very formal/emergency settings.

In English, 'immediately' can sometimes sound cold. In Korean, '즉시' is standard for formal efficiency and doesn't necessarily carry a negative or rude tone unless shouted.

Emergency manuals in Korea (always use '즉시'). Korean banking apps (the '즉시 이체' button). K-Dramas where a CEO demands a report '즉시!'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Emergency Situations

즉시 대피하세요
즉시 신고하세요
즉시 멈추세요
즉시 도움을 요청하세요

Business/Work

즉시 보고 바랍니다
즉시 처리하겠습니다
즉시 답변 부탁드립니다
즉시 수정해 주세요

Technology/Apps

즉시 이체
즉시 다운로드
즉시 삭제
즉시 업데이트

Shopping/Customer Service

즉시 할인
즉시 배송
즉시 환불
즉시 교환

Medical/Health

즉시 복용
즉시 내원
즉시 치료
즉시 중단

Conversation Starters

"문제가 생기면 즉시 누구에게 연락해야 하나요? (Who should I contact immediately if a problem arises?)"

"이 약은 식사 즉시 먹어야 하나요? (Should I take this medicine immediately after eating?)"

"한국에서는 배달이 즉시 오나요? (Does delivery come immediately in Korea?)"

"결제 즉시 확인 이메일이 오나요? (Does a confirmation email come immediately upon payment?)"

"사고를 목격하면 즉시 어떻게 해야 하죠? (What should I do immediately if I witness an accident?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 즉시 처리한 일은 무엇인가요? (What is something I handled immediately today?)

내가 즉시 대답하지 못해서 후회한 적이 있나요? (Have I ever regretted not answering immediately?)

나에게 '즉시성'은 얼마나 중요한가요? (How important is 'immediacy' to me?)

만약 내가 즉시 부자가 된다면 무엇을 할까요? (If I became rich immediately, what would I do?)

즉시 해결하고 싶은 고민이 있나요? (Is there a worry I want to solve immediately?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it might sound a bit formal or dramatic. For example, if you say '즉시 와!' it sounds like a serious command. '바로 와' or '빨리 와' are much more common in casual settings.

즉각 is even more formal than 즉시. It is often used in news reports, military contexts, or official government statements. For everyday learners, 즉시 is more useful.

Usually, yes. In Korean, adverbs like 즉시 typically modify the verb that follows them. However, in phrases like '입금 즉시' (immediately upon deposit), it follows the noun.

It is primarily an adverb. However, it can function as a noun in specific technical or legal phrases, and you can add '-성' to make it the noun '즉시성' (immediacy).

No, that is a common mistake. '즉시' already contains the meaning of 'at that time,' so adding the time particle '에' is redundant and incorrect.

You can say '즉각적인 응답' (using the adjective form) or '즉시 응답' (using the adverbial form as a prefix in a compound noun).

Yes, to describe an action that happened immediately after something else. '그는 소식을 듣고 즉시 떠났다' (He heard the news and left immediately).

Yes! Both share the Hanja '즉' (卽). '즉석' (卽席) means 'on the spot' or 'instant' (like instant noodles - 즉석 라면).

No. '바로' can mean 'exactly' (e.g., '바로 그거야!'), but '즉시' only refers to time and speed.

It is generally considered an A2 level word. It's basic enough for daily life but has nuances that extend into higher levels of proficiency.