直ちに

• Reading: ただちに
• Romaji: tadachini
• Kanji breakdown: 直 (choku/tada) — direct, straight, correct
• Pronunciation: /ta.da.t͡ɕi.ni/

Meaning

At once; immediately; right away. A formal adverb indicating prompt action without delay.

A formal adverb stronger and more urgent than すぐに (soon/right away). Used in official announcements, emergency instructions, and written directives: 直ちに避難してください (please evacuate immediately). Also appears in legal and bureaucratic contexts: 直ちに効力を発する (takes effect immediately). Rarely used in casual conversation.

Examples

1. 地震が起きたら直ちに建物の外に出てください。 If an earthquake occurs, please exit the building immediately.
2. 問題が発覚し、直ちに調査が始まった。 When the problem was discovered, an investigation was launched at once.
3. 命令を受けたら直ちに行動に移すべきだ。 When you receive an order, you should act on it immediately.

Usage Guide

Context: emergency, official, legal

Tone: urgent

Origin & History

From 直 (choku/tada, direct/straight) with the adverbial suffix ちに. Literally 'in a straight/direct manner' — without detour or delay.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal