laap6 zik1立即

Jyutpinglaap6 zik1

Yalelaahp jīk

副詞Very common

Definition

Immediately; right now.

neutraltimedaily actions

How it's used

While 立即 is understood in spoken Cantonese, it carries a slightly formal or urgent tone often found in news reports, official announcements, or stern commands. In casual, everyday conversation, native speakers almost always prefer using 即刻 or 馬上 instead. Using 立即 in a relaxed setting can make you sound like you are reading from a script or giving a very serious order.

Examples

nei5你laap6立zik1即tung4同ngo5我faan1返uk1屋kei2企！

You go home right now!

jau5有me1咩si6事jiu3要laap6立zik1即cyu5處lei5理aa4呀？

What matters need to be handled immediately?

Common phrases

laap6立zik1即hang4行dung6動

take immediate action

laap6立zik1即sang1生haau6效

effective immediately

Common mistake

Learners often overuse 立即 in casual contexts where 即刻 is much more natural. Additionally, do not confuse it with 幾時, which is used for asking when something happens rather than indicating an immediate action.