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March 24, 2026
立即lìjí(li4ji2)
立即 (lì jí) means 'immediately' or 'at once'. It is commonly used to express urgency or promptness in actions or responses, often in both spoken and written contexts, such as in instructions or requests.
Strokes12Frequency#2601DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is often a strong emphasis on promptness and efficiency in both personal and professional settings, making the word 立即 particularly relevant in business communications and emergency situations.
Memory Tip
Think of 立即 as 'liquid' rushing out immediately from a bottle. The character 立 means 'to stand' or 'to set up,' which can remind you that something is set up to happen right away, while 箕 represents a quick, sweeping motion, reinforcing immediacy.
Meanings of 立即
lìjí(li4ji2)
1immediately
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 立即
立即Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#2601Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 立即
Podcast: 立即
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AI Study Notes for 立即
Quick Contrast
立刻 (lìkè) vs 马上 (mǎshàng) — use 立即 for formal or written contexts, while 立刻 and 马上 are more common in spoken language.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 立即 with 马上 (mǎ shàng), which also means 'immediately' but can carry a more casual tone. When using 立即 in formal contexts, ensure you maintain a respectful tone to match the urgency implied.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 立即 connects with other time-related words such as 现在 (xiàn zài, 'now') and 马上 (mǎ shàng, 'right away'). Focus on its usage in sentences that convey urgency or promptness to enhance your understanding of context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 立即 with 马上 in contexts where urgency is required. For example, saying '我马上去' (I will go right away) instead of '我立即去' (I will go immediately) can misrepresent the level of urgency intended.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 立即
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立即 (lì jí) means 'immediately' or 'at once'. It is commonly used to express urgency or promptness in actions or responses, often in both spoken and written contexts, such as in instructions or requests.
When to use 立即
Be cautious not to confuse 立即 with 马上 (mǎ shàng), which also means 'immediately' but can carry a more casual tone. When using 立即 in formal contexts, ensure you maintain a respectful tone to match the urgency implied.
立即 or something close to it
立刻 (lìkè) vs 马上 (mǎshàng) — use 立即 for formal or written contexts, while 立刻 and 马上 are more common in spoken language.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 立即 with 马上 in contexts where urgency is required. For example, saying '我马上去' (I will go right away) instead of '我立即去' (I will go immediately) can misrepresent the level of urgency intended.
Write 立即
立
即
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Grammar Patterns of 立即
立即 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
