即刻

• Reading: そっこく
• Romaji: sokkoku
• Kanji breakdown: 即 (soku) — immediate, at once; 刻 (koku) — moment, time, engrave
• Pronunciation: /sok.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Immediately; at once; without delay. A firm, often authoritative demand for instant action.

A noun and adverb meaning 'this very instant,' used to demand or describe immediate action with no room for delay. Stronger and more commanding than すぐに (right away) or 即座に (on the spot). Often appears in authoritative contexts: 即刻退去 (leave immediately), 即刻中止 (stop at once). Carries an urgent, sometimes stern tone that implies consequences for delay.

Examples

1. 不正が発覚し、即刻解雇された。 When the misconduct was discovered, he was fired immediately.
2. 危険物を発見したら即刻報告してください。 If you find any hazardous materials, report it at once.
3. 裁判所は即刻の釈放を命じた。 The court ordered his immediate release.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, business, emergencies, authority

Tone: commanding

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 即 (soku, immediate/at once) + 刻 (koku, moment/engrave). Literally 'at this carved moment,' emphasising that there is no time to spare.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal