lìjí: 立即 - Immediately, At Once, Right Away

• Keywords: liji, 立即, liji meaning, how to use liji, immediately in Chinese, right away in Chinese, Chinese word for now, Chinese grammar liji, liji vs mashang, liji vs like, formal Chinese adverb, HSK 4 vocabulary
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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 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.

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.”

• 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.