即 — Immediate, Instant, Prompt

Meaning

The N1 kanji 即 carries the core meanings of "immediate," "instant," or "prompt." It also conveys the sense of "to follow," "to attach," or, as a conjunction, "namely" or "that is." You'll frequently encounter it in situations emphasizing speed, directness, or a direct equivalence.

Historically, 即 is an ideogram (会意文字 - kaiimoji). Its ancient form is believed to depict a person kneeling (represented by the component 卩, fushizukuri or setsu, often related to seals, stamps, or kneeling figures).

This figure is shown directly approaching or sitting before a food vessel (the left part, which historically resembled 皀 or 盚, meaning 'food' or 'fragrant'). This visual imagery vividly captures the idea of being "close to," "approaching immediately," or "taking hold of right away."

Over time, this concept evolved into its modern meanings of immediacy, promptness, or following something closely. This strong visual connection between a kneeling person and a food vessel effectively illustrates immediate access or action.

The kanji 即 has 7 strokes. It is a Jōyō kanji, meaning it's officially designated for general use. Learners typically encounter it at the JLPT N1 level, signifying its advanced nature in the Japanese language curriculum.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The primary On'yomi for 即 is ソク (soku). This reading is the most prevalent in modern Japanese and features in numerous compound words related to immediacy, promptness, or expressing "that is" in formal contexts.

• 即日そくじつ (sokujitsu) — "The same day" or "on that very day." This often implies something will happen or be completed within the current day.
• 即時そくじ (sokuji) — "Immediately," "instantly," or "at once." It emphasizes real-time action or response.
• 即席そくせき (sokuseki) — Refers to something "impromptu," "offhand," or "instant." For example, 即席麺そくせきめん (sokuseki-men, instant ramen) or an "impromptu speech."

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

The main Kun'yomi for 即 is すなわち (sunawachi). This reading functions as a formal conjunction, similar to "that is," "namely," "in other words," or "i.e." It's used to clarify or elaborate on a previous statement, introducing an equivalent or more specific term.

• 即ちすなわち (sunawachi) — "That is," "namely," "in other words." While often written in hiragana (すなわち), seeing it with the kanji 即 is not uncommon, especially in more formal or academic texts.
• 彼かれは作家さっか、即すなわち小説家しょうせつかだ。(Kare wa sakka, sunawachi shōsetsuka da.) — "He is a writer, that is, a novelist." This clearly demonstrates its clarifying function.

Another Kun'yomi listed is つく (tsuku), meaning "to approach," "to be close to," or "to ascend (to the throne)." This reading is quite rare in everyday modern Japanese and is more commonly found in older texts or very specific, formal expressions. Its most common modern usage is probably in the phrase "to ascend the throne."

• 王位おういに即つく (ōi ni tsuku) — "To ascend to the throne." This is a well-established expression, though the kanji-kana combination 即つく for this specific meaning is less common than the on'yomi compound 即位そくい.

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 即 appears in many practical compound words, predominantly using its On'yomi, ソク. Here are some key examples, grouped by theme:

Time-Related Immediacy:

• 即日そくじつ (sokujitsu) — Same day; on the very day.

Example: 即日発送そくじつはっそう (sokujitsu hassō) — Same-day shipping.

• 即時そくじ (sokuji) — Immediately; instantly; in real-time.

Example: 即時対応そくじたいおう (sokuji taiō) — Immediate response.

• 即座そくざ (sokuza) — On the spot; immediately; right away.

Example: 即座そくざに判断はんだんする (sokuza ni handan suru) — To judge immediately.

Action & Reaction:

• 即答そくとう (sokutō) — Immediate answer; prompt reply.

Example: 質問しつもんに即答そくとうする (shitsumon ni sokutō suru) — To give an immediate answer to a question.

• 即決そっけつ (sokketsu) — Immediate decision; prompt settlement.

Example: 即決価格そっけつかかく (sokketsu kakaku) — Buy-it-now price (in auctions).

• 即行そっこう (sokkō) — Immediate action; prompt execution.

Example: 即行そっこうで手配てはいする (sokkō de tehai suru) — To arrange immediately.

• 即効性そっこうせい (sokkōsei) — Immediacy (of effect); fast-acting.

Example: 即効性そっこうせいの薬くすり (sokkōsei no kusuri) — Fast-acting medicine.

State & Condition:

• 即席そくせき (sokuseki) — Impromptu; instant; makeshift.

Example: 即席料理そくせきりょうり (sokuseki ryōri) — Instant cooking.

• 即売そくばい (sokubai) — Spot sale; immediate sale.

Example: 即売会そくばいかい (sokubaikai) — On-the-spot sale event.

Formal & Specific Usage:

• 即位そくい (sokui) — Accession (to the throne); enthronement.

Example: 天皇てんのうの即位そくい (tennō no sokui) — The emperor's accession to the throne.

• 即興そっきょう (sokkyō) — Improvisation; extemporization.

Example: 即興演奏そっきょうえんそう (sokkyō ensō) — Improvised performance.

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To effectively remember 即, recall its original pictographic representation. Imagine a person kneeling (represented by the 卩 component on the right, which looks like a stylized person kneeling or even a seal) and rushing towards a food bowl or container (the left side, originally 皀). This visual association immediately brings to mind the idea of "immediate" action—they are approaching the food "at once" because they are hungry, or "following closely" to get their meal! So, picture a person making an "immediate" move to "follow" their craving.

The shape of 即 can also be seen as an arrow pointing down (the left part) landing "immediately" on a target (the right part looking like a base). Whichever mnemonic resonates most with you, connect the kanji's visual form to the concepts of "immediacy" or "following right after."