====== lìjí: 立即 - Immediately, At Once, Right Away ======
===== Quick Summary =====
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  * **Summary:** Learn the meaning and use of **立即 (lìjí)**, the formal Chinese adverb for "immediately" or "at once." This guide covers its character breakdown, cultural context, practical examples, and crucial differences from similar words like 马上 (mǎshàng), helping you understand when to use **立即 (lìjí)** for urgent, formal, or official commands and statements in Mandarin Chinese.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** lìjí
  * **Part of Speech:** Adverb
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 4
  * **Concise Definition:** Happening or done at once, without any delay.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **立即 (lìjí)** is the go-to word for "immediately" in formal or urgent situations. Think of it as a command or a statement of fact that something will happen with absolutely zero pause. It's stronger and more formal than its casual cousin, 马上 (mǎshàng). You'll frequently see it in official notices, instructions, news reports, and emergency situations.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **立 (lì):** This character's original meaning is "to stand" or "to establish." In this context, it implies something happening "on the spot" where one stands.
  * **即 (jí):** This character means "at once," "promptly," or "right then." It directly points to a moment in time.
  * When combined, **立即 (lìjí)** literally means "to stand at once" or "on the spot, right then." This paints a vivid picture of an action that begins the very instant it is called for, without hesitation.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
While **立即 (lìjí)** isn't a deep philosophical concept, its usage reflects an important aspect of Chinese communication: the distinction between formal and informal contexts. In situations involving authority, official procedures, or public safety, clarity and urgency are paramount. **立即 (lìjí)** serves as a clear, unambiguous signal that an action is required without delay.
In Western cultures, "immediately" can be used in both formal and informal ways, sometimes even hyperbolically ("I need that coffee immediately!"). In Chinese, using **立即 (lìjí)** in a casual chat would sound overly dramatic and stiff. This distinction highlights a cultural tendency to reserve specific vocabulary for formal situations to show respect for the context and the chain of command. Using the right word—like **立即** in an official email or 马上 (mǎshàng) when talking to a friend—demonstrates social and linguistic awareness.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
  * **Formal Instructions & Business:** This is the most common use case. You will find it in work emails, official documents, and instructions from a superior.
    * //"请立即完成这份报告。" (Qǐng lìjí wánchéng zhè fèn bàogào.) - "Please complete this report immediately."//
  * **Emergency Services & Public Announcements:** In situations where public safety is a concern, **立即** is used to convey undeniable urgency.
    * //"遇到火灾，请立即拨打119。" (Yùdào huǒzāi, qǐng lìjí bōdǎ yāoyāojiǔ.) - "In case of fire, please call 119 immediately."//
  * **News Reporting:** Journalists often use **立即** to describe a rapid sequence of events.
    * //"事故发生后，警方立即赶到现场。" (Shìgù fāshēng hòu, jǐngfāng lìjí gǎndào xiànchǎng.) - "After the accident occurred, the police immediately rushed to the scene."//
  * **Software and UI:** In user interfaces, **立即** is often used on buttons like "Download Now" or "Install Now."
    * //"立即注册" (Lìjí zhùcè) - "Register Now"//
It is almost always used in serious or formal contexts and carries a neutral but urgent tone. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation among friends.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:** 
    * 发现问题后，我们必须**立即**采取行动。
    * Pinyin: Fāxiàn wèntí hòu, wǒmen bìxū **lìjí** cǎiqǔ xíngdòng.
    * English: After discovering the problem, we must take action **immediately**.
    * Analysis: A typical formal/business context. This sentence implies a serious problem that requires an urgent, non-negotiable response.
  * **Example 2:** 
    * 医生要求他**立即**停止吸烟。
    * Pinyin: Yīshēng yāoqiú tā **lìjí** tíngzhǐ xīyān.
    * English: The doctor demanded that he stop smoking **immediately**.
    * Analysis: This shows a command given by an authority figure (a doctor) about a serious health issue. The use of **立即** makes the command forceful and absolute.
  * **Example 3:** 
    * 警报一响，所有人**立即**撤离了大楼。
    * Pinyin: Jǐngbào yī xiǎng, suǒyǒu rén **lìjí** chèlí le dàlóu.
    * English: As soon as the alarm rang, everyone evacuated the building **immediately**.
    * Analysis: This describes a rapid, factual sequence of events, common in news reports or official accounts. The action (evacuate) happens the instant the trigger (alarm) occurs.
  * **Example 4:** 
    * 请**立即**到前台领取您的包裹。
    * Pinyin: Qǐng **lìjí** dào qiántái lǐngqǔ nín de bāoguǒ.
    * English: Please come to the front desk **immediately** to collect your package.
    * Analysis: A formal and direct instruction, as you might hear in an office building or hotel. It's polite ("请") but firm.
  * **Example 5:** 
    * 点击此按钮**立即**开始下载。
    * Pinyin: Diǎnjī cǐ ànniǔ **lìjí** kāishǐ xiàzài.
    * English: Click this button to start the download **immediately**.
    * Analysis: A very common use in software or on websites. It's a clear, functional instruction.
  * **Example 6:** 
    * 他听到这个消息，**立即**就给家里打了电话。
    * Pinyin: Tā tīngdào zhège xiāoxi, **lìjí** jiù gěi jiālǐ dǎ le diànhuà.
    * English: He heard the news and **immediately** called home.
    * Analysis: This describes a quick, almost reflexive reaction. The word 就 (jiù) often appears with **立即** to emphasize the immediacy of the subsequent action.
  * **Example 7:** 
    * 政府宣布了新政策，并将**立即**生效。
    * Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ xuānbù le xīn zhèngcè, bìng jiāng **lìjí** shēngxiào.
    * English: The government announced a new policy, and it will take effect **immediately**.
    * Analysis: A classic example from official announcements. **立即生效 (lìjí shēngxiào)** means "to become effective immediately."
  * **Example 8:** 
    * 如果您对我们的服务不满意，可以**立即**联系客服。
    * Pinyin: Rúguǒ nín duì wǒmen de fúwù bù mǎnyì, kěyǐ **lìjí** liánxì kèfú.
    * English: If you are not satisfied with our service, you can contact customer service **immediately**.
    * Analysis: Used in a customer service context to show responsiveness and provide a direct course of action.
  * **Example 9:** 
    * 收到命令后，士兵们**立即**出发了。
    * Pinyin: Shōudào mìnglìng hòu, shìbīngmen **lìjí** chūfā le.
    * English: After receiving the order, the soldiers set out **immediately**.
    * Analysis: This sentence highlights the use of **立即** in a military or hierarchical context where commands are followed without question or delay.
  * **Example 10:** 
    * 看到孩子掉进水里，他**立即**跳下去救人。
    * Pinyin: Kàndào háizi diào jìn shuǐ lǐ, tā **lìjí** tiào xiàqù jiù rén.
    * English: Seeing the child fall into the water, he **immediately** jumped in to save them.
    * Analysis: Describes an instinctive, heroic action in an emergency. The immediacy is a key part of the narrative.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most common mistake for learners is confusing **立即 (lìjí)** with **马上 (mǎshàng)**. They both mean "immediately," but they are not interchangeable.
**立即 (lìjí):**
  * **Formality:** Formal, often written.
  * **Immediacy:** Implies a literal, zero-second delay. It's objective.
  * **Usage:** Commands, official notices, factual reports.
  * **Example:** //老板要求这份文件**立即**发送。 (Lǎobǎn yāoqiú zhè fèn wénjiàn **lìjí** fāsòng.) - The boss requires this document to be sent **immediately** (right now, no excuses).//
**马上 (mǎshàng):**
  * **Formality:** Informal, common in spoken language.
  * **Immediacy:** Implies "very soon," "in just a moment." It's subjective and expresses the speaker's intention to act quickly. The literal meaning is "on horseback," which was fast, but not instantaneous.
  * **Usage:** Casual promises, everyday conversation.
  * **Example:** //你等一下，我**马上**就来。 (Nǐ děng yīxià, wǒ **mǎshàng** jiù lái.) - Wait a moment, I'll be there **right away**.//
**Common Mistake:**
  * **Incorrect:** A friend asks, "你什么时候来？" (Nǐ shénme shíhou lái? - When are you coming?). You reply, "**我立即来**。" (Wǒ lìjí lái.)
  * **Why it's wrong:** This sounds overly formal and robotic, like a soldier responding to a command.
  * **Correct:** "**我马上来**。" (Wǒ mǎshàng lái.) - This is the natural and friendly way to say "I'm coming right now."
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[马上]] (mǎshàng) - The most common colloquial synonym for "immediately" or "right away." It's more about intention than objective fact.
  * [[立刻]] (lìkè) - A very close synonym to **立即**. **刻 (kè)** means "a moment." It is also formal and emphasizes that something happens "in this very moment." Often interchangeable with **立即**.
  * [[即刻]] (jíkè) - Another formal synonym, nearly identical in meaning and usage to **立刻** and **立即**.
  * [[赶紧]] (gǎnjǐn) - Means "hurriedly" or "to hasten." It describes the rushed //manner// of an action, focusing on the feeling of urgency rather than the exact timing.
  * [[及时]] (jíshí) - Means "timely" or "in time." It's about doing something at the most opportune moment, not necessarily the earliest moment. It's about being on time, not being instantaneous.
  * [[快点儿]] (kuài diǎnr) - A colloquial command meaning "Hurry up!" or "Faster!" It's a direct imperative used to urge someone to speed up.