inmediato
/een-meh-dee-AH-toh/
immediate
Something is inmediato (immediate) when it happens right now or without delay.
inmediato(adjective)
immediate
?happening right now or without delay
,instant
?referring to speed
prompt
?quick response
,urgent
?high priority
📝 In Action
Necesitamos una respuesta inmediata.
A2We need an immediate answer.
El efecto de la medicina fue inmediato.
B1The effect of the medicine was instantaneous.
La atención de emergencia debe ser inmediata.
B1Emergency care must be prompt.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'inmediato' changes its ending to match the thing it describes: 'respuesta inmediata' (feminine) or 'efecto inmediato' (masculine).
⭐ Usage Tips
The Adverbial Shortcut
To say 'immediately' or 'right away,' Spanish almost always uses the phrase 'de inmediato,' which is much more common than the formal adverb 'inmediatamente' in conversation.
A relationship or chain of command that is inmediato (direct) involves no intermediaries.
inmediato(adjective)
direct
?referring to a chain of command or relationship
,next
?closest in proximity
closest
?in relation to space or time
,proximate
?academic use
📝 In Action
Mi superior inmediato me dio el permiso.
B1My direct supervisor (boss) gave me permission.
El impacto fue en la zona inmediata al cráter.
B2The impact was in the area next to the crater.
Ella es la heredera inmediata al trono.
C1She is the direct (closest) heir to the throne.
💡 Grammar Points
Placement
When 'inmediato' refers to physical proximity ('next house'), it usually follows the noun, just like most descriptive adjectives in Spanish.
⭐ Usage Tips
Hierarchical Use
Using 'inmediato' with titles like 'jefe' (boss) or 'superior' (superior) clarifies the person who is directly above you in a company structure.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: inmediato
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'inmediato' to describe proximity or relation, rather than time?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'immediately' in Spanish?
While the adverb 'inmediatamente' exists, native speakers often prefer the phrase 'de inmediato' (literally 'of immediate') when speaking quickly or informally to mean 'right away' or 'immediately'.
Does 'inmediato' always refer to time?
No. Although it most often means 'instant' or 'without delay,' it can also describe physical closeness ('la casa inmediata') or hierarchical relationships ('el jefe inmediato,' meaning 'direct superior').