立即

lìjí

adverb HSK 4 #2,601

Meanings

Both characters mean 'immediately' — double emphasis on instant action.

Qǐng lìjí líkāi zhèlǐ!

Please leave here immediately!

Tā tīngdào xiāoxi hòu lìjí chūfā le.

He set off immediately after hearing the news.

Yīshēng shuō yào lìjí zuò shǒushù.

The doctor said surgery is needed immediately.

usage

立即 is more formal than 马上 (mǎshàng, right away). Use 立即 in written language, instructions, or urgent commands. In casual speech, 马上 is more natural.

grammar

Placed before the verb: 立即 + verb. Common in official notices and emergency instructions.

立 lì

即 jí