In 15 Seconds
- Use it before a verb to mean 'right now.'
- More urgent and precise than the common 'Ma shang.'
- Perfect for professional requests or urgent personal needs.
Meaning
This is your go-to word for 'right now' or 'instantly.' Use it when there is zero time to waste and you need action immediately.
Key Examples
3 of 6A boss giving an urgent task
请立刻把这份报告发给我。
Please send me this report immediately.
Texting a friend that you are leaving now
我立刻就出发！
I'm heading out right now!
A waiter responding to a customer
好的，我立刻为您准备。
Okay, I will prepare it for you immediately.
Cultural Background
The 'Instant' culture is driven by apps like WeChat and Meituan. Not replying {立刻|lìkè} to a work message is often seen as a lack of professionalism. Teachers use {立刻|lìkè} to maintain discipline. It reflects the high value placed on obedience and efficiency in the classroom. In negotiations, providing an answer {立刻|lìkè} can be a sign of strength and preparedness, but sometimes 'letting it sit' is used as a tactic. However, for service, speed is king.
The 'Now' Hierarchy
Use {立刻|lìkè} for 0 seconds, {马上|mǎshàng} for 1-5 minutes, and {等一下|děngyīxià} for 10+ minutes.
Don't be rude
Avoid using {立刻|lìkè} as a command to your elders; it sounds like you are their boss.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it before a verb to mean 'right now.'
- More urgent and precise than the common 'Ma shang.'
- Perfect for professional requests or urgent personal needs.
What It Means
立刻 is the verbal equivalent of snapping your fingers. It means 'immediately' or 'at once.' It suggests that the action happens without any delay. Think of it as the bridge between a command and the action itself. It is sharp, direct, and very effective.
How To Use It
You usually place 立刻 right before the verb. It acts like an adverbial engine. For example, if you want someone to leave, you say 立刻走. If you are going to call someone back, you say 立刻回电. It is simple and doesn't require complex grammar. Just drop it in before the action starts.
When To Use It
Use it when time is of the essence. It works great in emergencies or when you are being very productive. At a restaurant, a waiter might say they will 立刻 bring your water. In an office, your boss might ask for a file 立刻. It’s perfect for texting when you are 'on my way' (literally right now).
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for things that naturally take time. Don't say you will 立刻 learn Chinese. That sounds like a magic trick! Also, be careful with elders or high-ranking bosses. Using 立刻 as a command toward them can sound a bit pushy or rude. It’s better to use it for your own actions in those cases.
Cultural Background
The characters literally mean 'standing in this moment.' It implies that you aren't even sitting down to think about it. In fast-paced cities like Shanghai or Beijing, this word is a lifestyle. People value efficiency, and 立刻 is the linguistic gold standard for getting things done. It reflects a culture that respects quick responses.
Common Variations
You will often hear 马上. While 马上 also means 'soon,' it can be a bit vague—like 'I'm coming!' when you're still in bed. 立刻 is much more precise and urgent. If someone says 立刻, they really mean they are starting the task this very second. It’s the difference between 'soon' and 'now.'
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and versatile. It is most effective when placed directly before the verb it modifies.
The 'Now' Hierarchy
Use {立刻|lìkè} for 0 seconds, {马上|mǎshàng} for 1-5 minutes, and {等一下|děngyīxià} for 10+ minutes.
Don't be rude
Avoid using {立刻|lìkè} as a command to your elders; it sounds like you are their boss.
Digital Etiquette
In WeChat work groups, replying with '{收到|shōudào}，{立刻|lìkè}{办|bàn}' is the gold standard for being a good employee.
Examples
6请立刻把这份报告发给我。
Please send me this report immediately.
Shows professional urgency and clear expectations.
我立刻就出发！
I'm heading out right now!
Adds a sense of speed to your arrival.
好的，我立刻为您准备。
Okay, I will prepare it for you immediately.
Standard polite service language in China.
看到零食，他立刻跑了过来。
Seeing the snacks, he immediately ran over.
Describes a quick, reflexive reaction.
我们需要立刻去医院。
We need to go to the hospital immediately.
Conveys critical timing and seriousness.
立刻坐下！
Sit down right now!
Used as a sharp, direct command.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural word to fill in the blank.
{看到|kàndào}{车|chē}{来了|láile}，{他|tā}_____{跑|pǎo}{了|le}{过去|guòqù}。
The context of a car arriving suggests a quick reaction, making {立刻|lìkè} the only logical choice.
Translate 'immediately' into Chinese to complete the sentence.
{请|qǐng}_____{给我|gěiwǒ}{回|huí}{信|xìn}。
In a request for a reply, {立刻|lìkè} is used to show urgency.
Complete the dialogue with a phrase using {立刻|lìkè}.
A: {老板|lǎobǎn}{让|ràng}{你|nǐ}{去|qù}{他|tā}{办公室|bàngōngshì}。 B: {好|hǎo}的，____。
When a boss calls, an immediate response is expected.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{看到|kàndào}{车|chē}{来了|láile}，{他|tā}_____{跑|pǎo}{了|le}{过去|guòqù}。
The context of a car arriving suggests a quick reaction, making {立刻|lìkè} the only logical choice.
{请|qǐng}_____{给我|gěiwǒ}{回|huí}{信|xìn}。
In a request for a reply, {立刻|lìkè} is used to show urgency.
A: {老板|lǎobǎn}{让|ràng}{你|nǐ}{去|qù}{他|tā}{办公室|bàngōngshì}。 B: {好|hǎo}的，____。
When a boss calls, an immediate response is expected.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, {立刻|lìkè} is slightly more formal and carries more weight of 'instant' action. {马上|mǎshàng} is very common in casual speech.
No. In Chinese, it must come before the verb. You cannot say 'Do it immediately' as 'Do it {立刻|lìkè}.'
Usually, yes. It describes *how* an action is performed. Without a verb, it has nothing to modify.
Yes! For example: '{他|tā}{听|tīng}{了|le}{立刻|lìkè}{走|zǒu}{了|le}' (He heard it and immediately left).
Related Phrases
马上
similarRight away; soon
即刻
synonymImmediately
赶紧
similarHurry up
顿时
similarSuddenly
