Inklingo

How to Say "immediate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “immediate” is “inmediato” — use 'inmediato' when something needs to happen right away or without any delay, emphasizing the speed of the action.

inmediato🔊A2

Use 'inmediato' when something needs to happen right away or without any delay, emphasizing the speed of the action.

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directo🔊A1

Use 'directo' when referring to something that goes straight to the point or destination without any detours or intermediate steps, like a direct flight or a direct question.

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cercano🔊B1

Use 'cercano' to describe something or someone that is physically close or intimately connected, like family members or friends in your immediate circle.

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urgente🔊A2

Use 'urgente' when a situation or request requires immediate attention and action due to its critical nature.

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instantáneoA2

Use 'instantáneo' to describe something that happens or is available immediately, often implying a very quick, almost instantaneous process or result.

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English → Spanish

inmediato

een-meh-dee-AH-tohinmeˈðjato

adjectiveA2general
Use 'inmediato' when something needs to happen right away or without any delay, emphasizing the speed of the action.
A finger is pressing a large red button, and instantly, a bright yellow light bulb positioned directly above the button illuminates brightly, symbolizing immediacy.

Examples

Necesitamos una respuesta inmediata.

We need an immediate answer.

El efecto de la medicina fue inmediato.

The effect of the medicine was instantaneous.

La atención de emergencia debe ser inmediata.

Emergency care must be prompt.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'inmediato' changes its ending to match the thing it describes: 'respuesta inmediata' (feminine) or 'efecto inmediato' (masculine).

directo

dee-REK-tohdiˈɾekto

adjectiveA1general
Use 'directo' when referring to something that goes straight to the point or destination without any detours or intermediate steps, like a direct flight or a direct question.
A vibrant illustration showing a straight, short path leading directly to a destination, next to a much longer, curvy path, emphasizing the shortest route.

Examples

Necesito un vuelo directo a Madrid, sin escalas.

I need a direct flight to Madrid, without layovers.

Este es el camino más directo para llegar al centro.

This is the most direct road to get to the center.

La conexión fue directa y funcionó muy bien.

The connection was direct and worked very well.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'directo' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'directa' for feminine words (la ruta directa) and add '-s' for plurals (los vuelos directos).

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “Usar 'directo' para describir un verbo: 'Viajamos directo a la casa.'”

Correction: Use the adverb form 'directamente': 'Viajamos directamente a la casa.' (Though colloquially, 'directo' is sometimes used as an informal adverb.)

adjectiveB1general
Use 'cercano' to describe something or someone that is physically close or intimately connected, like family members or friends in your immediate circle.

Examples

Solo los familiares más cercanos saben la verdad.

Only the closest relatives know the truth.

urgente

oor-HEN-tehuɾˈxente

adjectiveA2general
Use 'urgente' when a situation or request requires immediate attention and action due to its critical nature.
A simple colorful illustration of a messenger sprinting quickly with strong motion lines, clutching a sealed red envelope, symbolizing an urgent delivery.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta urgente antes de las tres.

I need an urgent answer before three o'clock.

Es un asunto urgente, por favor, llama a la oficina central ahora mismo.

It is an urgent matter; please call the main office right now.

La junta de seguridad emitió advertencias urgentes sobre el clima.

The safety board issued urgent warnings about the weather.

Gender-Neutral Adjective

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'urgente' is used for both masculine and feminine words without changing its ending: 'una carta urgente' (feminine) and 'un informe urgente' (masculine).

Pluralization Requirement

Mistake: “Using the singular form for plural nouns: 'dos cosas urgente'.”

Correction: Always add -s for plural nouns: 'dos cosas urgentes'. Remember, adjectives must match the noun's number (singular/plural).

instantáneo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'instantáneo' to describe something that happens or is available immediately, often implying a very quick, almost instantaneous process or result.

Examples

El café instantáneo es muy práctico para las mañanas con prisa.

Instant coffee is very practical for busy mornings.

Inmediato vs. Urgente

Learners often confuse 'inmediato' (immediate, without delay) with 'urgente' (urgent, requiring attention). While both imply speed, 'urgente' carries a stronger sense of critical need or importance.

Related Translations

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