Processing keyword: すぐに～ (sugu ni～)

Japanese Grammar Point: すぐに～ (sugu ni～)

1. Introduction

The Japanese adverb すぐに (sugu ni) is commonly used to express the idea of "immediately," "right away," or "soon." It's an essential term for indicating promptness or immediacy in actions and events. Understanding how to use すぐに correctly will enhance your ability to describe time-related nuances in Japanese conversation.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• すぐに: immediately; right away; soon

Structure

The adverb すぐに is placed before a verb to indicate that the action will happen without delay.

すぐに + Verb

Formation Diagram

graph LR
A[すぐに] --> B[Verb]

---

3. Comparative Analysis

すぐに vs. もうすぐ

• すぐに: Indicates an action that will happen immediately.
  • Example: すぐに始めます。(I will start immediately.)
• もうすぐ: Means "soon" or "in a little while," implying a short time before something happens.
  • Example: もうすぐ夏休みです。(Summer vacation is soon.)

---

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 会議をすぐに始めます。
   • Kaigi o sugu ni hajimemasu.
   • "We will start the meeting immediately."
2. 申し込みはすぐに締め切られます。
   • Mōshikomi wa sugu ni shimekira remasu.
   • "Applications will close immediately."

Informal Situations

1. すぐに戻ってくるよ。
   • Sugu ni modotte kuru yo.
   • "I'll be back right away."
2. すぐに行かなきゃ。
   • Sugu ni ikanakya.
   • "I have to go immediately."

Written Context

1. 注文後、商品はすぐに発送されます。
   • Chūmon go, shōhin wa sugu ni hassō saremasu.
   • "After ordering, the product will be shipped immediately."

Spoken Context

1. 店員：ご注文はお決まりですか。
   • Ten'in: Go-chūmon wa okimari desu ka.
   • "Waiter: Have you decided on your order?"
2. 客：はい、すぐにお願いします。
   • Kyaku: Hai, sugu ni onegaishimasu.
   • "Customer: Yes, right away, please."

---

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, punctuality and promptness are highly valued. Using すぐに reflects a respect for others' time and conveys a sense of urgency or attentiveness. It can be particularly important in business settings or when showing courtesy.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Placing すぐに after the verb.
  • Incorrect: 帰りますすぐに。
    • Kairimasu sugu ni.
  • Correct: すぐに帰ります。
    • Sugu ni kaerimasu.
• Mistake: Confusing すぐに with すこし (sukoshi) which means "a little."
  • Be careful not to mix these up due to similar sounds.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of すぐに as "soon ni," reminding you that it means "soon" or "immediately."
• Practice Tip: Use すぐに in daily reminders. For example, "すぐに勉強する！" (Study immediately!)

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• すぐに means "immediately" or "right away."
• It is placed before the verb to indicate prompt action.
• Do not confuse すぐに with もうすぐ or すこし.
• Proper use of すぐに reflects attentiveness and respect for time in Japanese culture.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I'll call you immediately" in Japanese?
   • Answer: すぐに電話します。(Sugu ni denwa shimasu.)
2. Which is correct?
   • a) 帰りますすぐに。
   • b) すぐに帰ります。
   • Answer: b) すぐに帰ります。
3. What does もうすぐ mean?
   • Answer: "Soon" or "in a little while," but not immediately.

---

By mastering すぐに, you enhance your ability to express urgency and immediacy in Japanese, making your communication more precise and culturally appropriate.

---

© Hanabira.org