Definition

Adverb: - Immediately, right away, at once: Indicates an action that happens without any delay, in a very short time after another event or command. This meaning is derived from the image of a cavalryman on horseback ready to act instantly. - In a heroic, gallant, or imposing manner: Describes a posture or attitude that is majestic, imposing, and proud, reminiscent of a knight or warrior on horseback. This is the original, literal meaning.

Usage

This word is literary and somewhat archaic. It is used to add a dramatic, classical, or heroic tone. - To describe immediate action:

Examples

• As an adverb (Immediately):

  • Sau khi nghe tin, ông ấy mã thượng ra đi. (Upon hearing the news, he left immediately.)
  • Lệnh vừa ban xuống, quân đội mã thượng hành động. (The order was just given, and the army acted at once.)

• As an adjective (descriptive adverb):

  • Phong thái mã thượng của vị tướng khiến mọi người kính nể. (The general's majestic demeanor commanded everyone's respect.)
  • Một trang nam nhi mã thượng. (A heroic and gallant man.)

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• The modern, more common usage leans towards the meaning of "immediately." The connection to the image of a horseman is often implicit, evoking speed and decisiveness.
• When used in its original sense to describe manner, it often appears in literary works, historical narratives, or praise.

Variants and Related Words

• Lập tức (adv): Immediately, at once. (This is the most common and neutral synonym for the "immediately" meaning.)
• Tức khắc (adv): Instantly, immediately. (Slightly more emphatic than "lập tức.")
• Hiên ngang (adj): Proud, unyielding, dauntless. (This is a close synonym for the "gallant manner" meaning of .)
• Khí phách (n): Mettle, spirit, courage. (Often used to describe the heroic quality that implies.)

Synonyms

• For "immediately": ngay lập tức, tức thì, liền.
• For "heroic manner": hiên ngang, oai phong, đường hoàng.

Notes on Meaning

This word has two distinct but related meanings: 1. Primary Modern Meaning (Adverb of Time): Immediately. This usage focuses on the speed associated with a mounted warrior's readiness. 2. Original/Literary Meaning (Descriptive of Manner): Gallant, majestic, imposing. This usage focuses on the proud posture and spirit of a warrior on horseback.

1. immediately