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How to Say "immediately" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inmediatamente

in-meh-dyah-tah-MEN-teh/inmeðjataˈmente/

adverbA1
Use this word when you need to emphasize that something must happen without any delay whatsoever, often in a more formal or urgent context.
A bright yellow light bulb instantly illuminates above a red button that has just been pressed on a white surface, illustrating an immediate reaction.

Examples

Necesito que me envíes el informe inmediatamente.

I need you to send me the report immediately.

Cuando me vio, se levantó inmediatamente de la silla.

When he saw me, he got up from the chair instantly.

¡Vuelve aquí inmediatamente!

Come back here right away!

Adverb Placement

Adverbs like 'inmediatamente' usually go after the verb they are modifying, but for emphasis, you can often put them at the beginning of the sentence.

Using the Adjective Form

Mistake: “Using the adjective 'inmediato' when you need to describe the verb's action (e.g., 'Respondió inmediato').”

Correction: Always use the '-mente' ending when describing *how* an action is performed: 'Respondió inmediatamente'.

enseguida

/en-seh-GEE-dah//enseˈɣiða/

adverbA1
Choose this option when you mean 'right away' or 'very soon,' often implying a short, natural wait before something happens.
A cartoon hand pressing a large red button, causing a bright yellow light bulb positioned directly above it to instantly illuminate.

Examples

Vuelvo enseguida.

I'll be back right away.

Llama al doctor enseguida, por favor.

Call the doctor immediately, please.

Termino este correo y te ayudo enseguida.

I'll finish this email and help you in a moment.

Where does 'enseguida' go?

This word is flexible! You can put it at the start, at the end, or right after the action word (verb). For example: 'Enseguida voy' (I'm coming right away), 'Voy enseguida', and 'Te llamo enseguida' (I'll call you right away) are all perfect.

Is it one word or two?

Mistake: “Writing 'en seguida' as two separate words.”

Correction: Today, the correct and standard way is to write it as one word: 'enseguida'. It started as two words a long time ago ('en seguida'), so you might see it in older books, but you should always use the modern, single-word version.

en seguida

adverbial phraseA2
This phrase is commonly used to indicate that something happens directly after another action, meaning 'right after' or 'immediately following.'

Examples

Llamé a mi madre y me contestó en seguida.

I called my mother and she answered me right away.

En seguida vs. Enseguida

The most common confusion is between 'en seguida' (two words) and 'enseguida' (one word). While both mean 'right away,' 'en seguida' often emphasizes sequence ('right after'), whereas 'enseguida' is a more general, single-word adverb for 'immediately'.

Related Translations

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