Korean Grammar Point
~즉시 [jeukshi] (Immediately, at once)

~즉시 [jeukshi] (Immediately, at once)

Short explanation:

Used to express 'immediately' or 'as soon as'.

Formation:

Verb + (으)ㄹ/ㄴ + 즉시

Examples:

그녀가 방에 들어오자마자 저는 그녀에게 선물을 주려고 했지만, 그녀가 들어올 즉시 얘기하고 싶어했던 것을 깜빡했어요.
Geunyeoga bange deuleoojamaja jeoneun geunyeoege seonmureul juryeogo haessjiman, geunyeoga deureool jeukshi yaegihago sipheossdeon geoseul kkamppaghaessdeoyo.
As soon as she came into the room, I wanted to give her a gift, but the moment she came in, I forgot what I wanted to say.
메시지를 받자마자 즉시 반응해야 합니다, 아니면 그 사람은 기다리게 됩니다.
Mesijireul batjamaja jeukshi baneunghaeya habnida, animyeon geu sarameun gidarige doebnida.
You should respond immediately as soon as you receive a message, otherwise that person will be left waiting.
그날 밤, 그녀가 보고서를 완료하면 즉시 체크하였다.
Geunal bam, geunyeoga bogoseoreul wanryohamyeon jeukshi chekeuhaessda.
That night, he checked as soon as she finished her report.
회의가 끝나자마자 즉시 사진을 찍으러 갔어요.
Hoeuiga kkeutnajamaja jeukshi sajineul jjigeureo gasseoyo.
I went to take a picture immediately as soon as the meeting was over.

Long explanation:

'~즉시 [jeukshi]' is a compound noun in Korean, which is used to express the meaning of doing something immediately or right away after a certain situation or event. It means 'as soon as' or 'the moment when' and generally follows a noun or verb. It stresses the immediacy of the action that follows after a preceding event.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~즉시 [jeukshi] (Immediately, at once)

Korean Grammar Point: ~즉시 [jeukshi] (Immediately, at once)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~즉시 [jeukshi] (Immediately, At Once)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point ~즉시 (immediately, at once), a useful adverb in Korean that denotes immediate action. Understanding how to use ~즉시 will enhance your ability to express promptness in various contexts.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • 즉시 means immediately, at once, or instantly.
  • It indicates that an action occurs right after another without delay.

Structure

  • 즉시 is used as an adverb and can be placed:
    1. Before a verb to modify it.
    2. After a clause to show immediate succession.

Formation Diagram

[Clause] + 즉시 + Verb

or

즉시 + Verb

Detailed Explanation

  • When 즉시 is used, it emphasizes the immediacy of the action that follows.
  • It is suitable for both formal and informal settings.
  • It can be combined with verbs to express doing something immediately.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing 즉시 with Similar Expressions

Expression Meaning Usage Nuance
즉시 Immediately Adverb before verbs; after clauses Neutral tone
바로 Right away Adverb; interchangeable with 즉시 Slightly more colloquial
곧바로 Immediately Emphasizes immediacy more than 바로 Stronger emphasis on 'right away'
-자마자 As soon as Verb conjugation; attached to verbs Indicates immediate action after event

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 회의가 끝나자마자 즉시 회의록을 작성했습니다.
    • I wrote the meeting minutes immediately after the meeting ended.
  2. 그는 소식을 듣자 즉시 달려갔어요.
    • As soon as he heard the news, he ran immediately.
  3. 문제가 발견되면 즉시 알려주세요. (Formal)
    • Please let me know immediately if a problem is found.
  4. 그는 즉시 답장을 보냈다.
    • He sent a reply at once.
  5. 수업이 끝난 후에 즉시 집에 갔어. (Informal)
    • I went home immediately after the class ended.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Promptness is valued in Korean culture, especially in professional settings.
  • Using 즉시 can convey responsibility and eagerness to act without delay.

Levels of Politeness

  • 즉시 itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Adjust the verb endings to match the appropriate politeness level.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 즉시 대응: Immediate response
  • 즉시 조치: Immediate action

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Using 즉시 incorrectly as a verb ending.
    • Incorrect: 일이 끝나즉시 먹었어요.
    • Correct: 일이 끝나자마자 즉시 먹었어요.
  • Mistake: Confusing 즉시 with (soon).
    • implies in a short time, but not necessarily immediately.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of 즉시 as the 'zip' in 'zip around' – fast and immediate.
  • Tip: Pair 즉시 with verbs of action to emphasize immediacy.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 즉시 means immediately and is used to express prompt action.
  • It is an adverb placed before verbs or after clauses.
  • Understand the nuances between 즉시, 바로, 곧바로, and -자마자.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: 문제가 생기면 ______ 알려주세요.
    • Answer: 즉시
  2. True or False: 즉시 can be used with both formal and informal speech.
    • Answer: True
  3. Which expression emphasizes immediacy more strongly, 바로 or 곧바로?
    • Answer: 곧바로

Feel free to revisit this lesson to strengthen your understanding of 즉시. Practice using it in your own sentences to become more comfortable with its usage.

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