Definition

Adverb: - Immediately, right away, at once: This phrase indicates that an action happens or should happen without any delay, instantly after a trigger or command. It emphasizes urgency and the absence of a waiting period.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Việc này rất khẩn cấp, phải làm ngay lập tức. (This matter is very urgent; it must be done immediately.)
  • Khi nghe thấy tiếng còi báo động, mọi người sơ tán ngay lập tức. (Upon hearing the alarm siren, everyone evacuated at once.)
  • Tôi sẽ trả lời email của anh ngay lập tức. (I will reply to your email right away.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "ngay lập tức" is often used in formal instructions, commands, and urgent requests. It is stronger than simply "ngay" (right away) and is synonymous with "tức khắc" (instantly).

Variants and Related Words

• Lập tức (adv): Immediately, instantly. A slightly shorter form with the same core meaning.

  • Anh ta lập tức đồng ý. (He agreed instantly.)

• Ngay tức khắc (adv): Right this instant, immediately. A synonym with identical usage.

  • Hãy dừng hành động đó lại ngay tức khắc! (Stop that action right this instant!)

Synonyms

• Immediately: Without any delay.
• Right away: At this very moment.
• At once: Instantly and simultaneously.
• Instantly: Happening in an instant.

Related Idioms

• While "ngay lập tức" itself is not an idiom, it is the standard, emphatic phrase for expressing immediate action. It is commonly used in the construction "phải... ngay lập tức" (must... immediately).

1. Ngay tức thì
2. At one, pat, right away, most immediately
   • Việc rất là cần, phải làm ngay lập tức
     The business is very urgent and must be seen to right away