Imagine this: you’re at work, and suddenly the ground starts shaking, it’s an earthquake!

An announcement comes through the speakers:
“Get under your desks!” No time to think, just act immediately.

In Japan, where earthquakes and other natural disasters are fairly common, we often hear this kind of urgent instruction. It’s one of those moments when every second counts.

In Japanese, that sense of urgency is expressed with 直ちに (ただちに / tadachi ni), meaning “at once,” “immediately,” or “directly.”

It’s an N2-level adverb often used in formal, official, or emergency situations, when something must be done right now and there’s no time to hesitate.

Let’s take a closer look at how to use 直ちに naturally, so you can understand and respond to important instructions with confidence!

すぐに (sugu ni)  vs 直ちに (tadachi ni)

Both mean “immediately,” but their tone and context are quite different.

すぐに (sugu ni) is everyday and casual. You can use it with anyone, friends, family, or coworkers. It simply means “soon” or “right away.”
直ちに, on the other hand, sounds formal, serious, and urgent, used when immediate action is required.

Example:
すぐに行きます。
すぐ に いきます。
sugu ni ikimasu.
I’ll go right away.

直ちに避難してください。
ただち に ひなん して ください。
tadachi ni hinan shite kudasai.
Evacuate immediately.

You’ll often hear 直ちに in emergency manuals, company instructions, or government announcements. So when you see or hear it, it’s not just “soon”, it means “don’t wait, act now!”

結果が分かり次第、直ちにご連絡いたします。
けっか が わかりしだい、ただち に ごれんらく いたします。
kekka ga wakarishidai, tadachi ni gorenraku itashimasu.
I will contact you immediately as soon as the results are known.

地震が起きたら、直ちに机の下に隠れてください。
じしん が おきたら、ただち に つくえ の した に かくれて ください。
jishin ga okitara, tadachi ni tsukue no shita ni kakurete kudasai.
In case of an earthquake, immediately take cover under a desk.

火災を発見したら、直ちに119番に通報してください。
かさい を はっけん したら、ただち に 119ばん に つうほう して ください。
kasai wo hakken shitara, tadachi ni hyakujyuukyuu-ban ni tsuuhou shite kudasai.
If you discover a fire, call 119 at once.

津波が発生する可能性があります。沿岸部に在住の方は直ちに高い場所へ避難してください。
つなみ が はっせい する かのうせい が あります。えんがんぶ に ざいじゅう の かた は ただち に たかい ばしょ へ ひなん して ください。
tsunami ga hassei suru kanousei ga arimasu. enganbu ni zaijuu no kata ha tadachi ni takai basho he hinan shite kudasai.
A tsunami may occur. Residents in coastal areas should evacuate to higher ground immediately.

この契約書に不備がありますので、直ちに修正をお願いいたします。
この けいやくしょ に ふび が あります の で、ただち に しゅうせい を おねがい いたします。
kono keiyakusho ni fubi ga arimasu node, tadachi ni shuusei wo onegai itashimasu.
There is an error in this contract, so please correct it immediately.

• Grammar Point: 直ちに (ただちに tadachi ni)
• JLPT Level: N2
• Meaning: At once, immediately, directly
• Quick Explanation: 直ちに is a formal adverb used when something must be done without delay. It shows urgency or strong immediacy, common in emergencies, laws, and formal documents.
  

So that’s how we use 直ちに!
It’s a powerful word that shows both urgency and formality, perfect for professional or emergency situations.
Next time you see or hear 直ちに, you’ll know it means “right now, not later!”

By the way, if an emergency ever happens in Japan, don’t worry too much, important information is usually provided in multiple languages, so you’ll still be able to stay safe and informed.

Now it’s your turn, try using 直ちに in a sentence or imagine when you’d need to take action at once!

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫

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