# 直ちに: immediately

> Learn how to use 直ちに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning immediately, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-tadachi-ni/

**直ちに** means **immediately**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **express immediate action in a formal way**.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **直ちに** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis.

## What does 直ちに mean?

Use **直ちに** when you want to **express immediate action in a formal way**.

Natural translations include:
- immediately
- depending on context
- in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

## How to form 直ちに

直ちに + Verb

Examples of the pattern:
- 危険を感じたら
- 問題が発生した場合は
- 会議終了後

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

## When is 直ちに used?

Use **直ちに** in situations like:
- reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
- making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
- connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:
- usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

## 直ちに example sentences

- 危険を感じたら、直ちに避難してください。 — If you sense danger, evacuate immediately.
- 問題が発生した場合は、直ちに報告してください。 — If a problem occurs, report it immediately.
- 会議終了後、直ちに資料を送ります。 — Immediately after the meeting ends, I will send the materials.
- この決定は直ちに実行される。 — This decision will be implemented immediately.
- 異常が見つかったため、直ちに検査を行った。 — Because an abnormality was found, an inspection was conducted at once.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **直ちに** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

## Nuance of 直ちに

The key nuance is **express immediate action in a formal way**.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:
- In formal writing, **直ちに** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with **すぐに**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

## 直ちに vs すぐに

Both **直ちに** and **すぐに** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**直ちに**:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

**すぐに**:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- 危険を感じたら、直ちに避難してください。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **すぐに** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with 直ちに

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with **すぐに** just because the English translation overlaps
- Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **直ちに**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is 直ちに on the JLPT?

Yes. **直ちに** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

## Practice questions for 直ちに

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **直ちに**.
- Write a second sentence with **すぐに** and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

## Learning path for 直ちに

To learn **直ちに** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare **直ちに** with **すぐに** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **直ちに** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [次第](/blog/n2-shidai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [次第](/blog/n2-shidai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n2 ni saishite](/blog/n2-ni-saishite/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

## Learn 直ちに with Hane

If you want to review **直ちに** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)