立刻

You usually place 立刻 right before the verb. It acts like an adverbial engine. For example, if you want someone to leave, you say 立刻走. If you are going to call someone back, you say 立刻回电. It is simple and doesn't require complex grammar. Just drop it in before the action starts.

Use it when time is of the essence. It works great in emergencies or when you are being very productive. At a restaurant, a waiter might say they will 立刻 bring your water. In an office, your boss might ask for a file 立刻. It’s perfect for texting when you are 'on my way' (literally right now).

Avoid using it for things that naturally take time. Don't say you will 立刻 learn Chinese. That sounds like a magic trick! Also, be careful with elders or high-ranking bosses. Using 立刻 as a command toward them can sound a bit pushy or rude. It’s better to use it for your own actions in those cases.

The characters literally mean 'standing in this moment.' It implies that you aren't even sitting down to think about it. In fast-paced cities like Shanghai or Beijing, this word is a lifestyle. People value efficiency, and 立刻 is the linguistic gold standard for getting things done. It reflects a culture that respects quick responses.

You will often hear 马上. While 马上 also means 'soon,' it can be a bit vague—like 'I'm coming!' when you're still in bed. 立刻 is much more precise and urgent. If someone says 立刻, they really mean they are starting the task this very second. It’s the difference between 'soon' and 'now.'