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March 24, 2026
立刻lìkè(li4ke4)
立刻 (lì kè) means 'immediately' or 'at once.' It is used to indicate that something will happen without delay, often in response to a request or situation. This word conveys a sense of urgency and promptness.
Frequency#1455DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, responding 立刻 to requests can reflect professionalism and respect for others' time, making it an important term in formal communications.
Memory Tip
Think of 立 (lì) as 'stand' and 刻 (kè) as 'a moment'—together, they suggest 'standing at this moment,' or doing something immediately. Imagine a person standing ready to spring into action as soon as they receive a command.
Meanings of 立刻
lìkè(li4ke4)
1forthwith
2immediate
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 立刻
立刻Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#1455Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 立刻
Podcast: 立刻
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AI Study Notes for 立刻
Quick Contrast
马上 (mǎshàng) — use 立刻 (lìkè) for a stronger sense of urgency compared to the more general immediacy of 马上 (mǎshàng).
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 立 (lì) as 'stand' and 刻 (kè) as 'a moment'—together, they suggest 'standing at this moment,' or doing something immediately. Imagine a person standing ready to spring into action as soon as they receive a command.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 立刻 with other time-related words like 马上 (mǎ shàng), which also means 'immediately,' but may carry slightly different connotations. 立刻 is more formal and direct. Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 立刻 connects well with other time-related vocabulary and can be used alongside words like 立即 (lì jí) and 现在 (xiàn zài). Focus on its use in both spoken and written contexts to enhance fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese business culture, responding 立刻 to requests can reflect professionalism and respect for others' time, making it an important term in formal communications.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 立刻 in contexts where a softer approach is needed. For example, saying '我立刻想去' (wǒ lì kè xiǎng qù) sounds too abrupt; a better choice might be '我马上想去' (wǒ mǎ shàng xiǎng qù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 立刻
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Grammar Patterns of 立刻
立刻 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. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
If something should happen to her, please ring me up at once.
9
如果他出了什么事, 请立刻通知我.
rú guǒ tā chū le shí mó shì, , qǐng lì kè tōng zhī.
If anything happens to him, let me know at once.
10
她立刻烧了水。
tā lì kè shāo le shuǐ。
She immediately put the kettle on.
Cultural Notes for 立刻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese business culture, responding 立刻 to requests can reflect professionalism and respect for others' time, making it an important term in formal communications.
Frequently Asked Questions about 立刻
Yes, but it's more common in formal contexts. In casual speech, you might prefer 马上.
While both mean 'immediately,' 立刻 is often seen as more urgent and direct, while 立即 can be a bit softer.
You can say '我立刻去做' (wǒ lì kè qù zuò), meaning 'I will do it immediately.'
