すぐ

• Reading: すぐ
• Romaji: sugu
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.ɡɯ/

Meaning

Immediately; at once; right away; directly. Also: nearby; close.

Has both temporal and spatial meanings. Temporally, it means 'right away' (すぐ行く = will go right away). Spatially, it means 'right there' or 'nearby' (すぐそこ = right there). Often combined with に to form すぐに for emphasis. The kanji form 直ぐ is rarely used.

Examples

1. すぐに来てください。 Please come right away.
2. 駅はすぐそこにあります。 The station is right over there.
3. 電話が来たらすぐ出てね。 When you get a call, pick up right away, okay?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, urgency, directions

Tone: direct

Origin & History

Related to 直 (straight/direct), conveying the idea of going straight to something without delay or detour. The connection between spatial directness and temporal immediacy is intuitive.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal