当即 dāngjí at once
at once; on the spot
How to remember 当即: 当 act as + 即 promptly = at once.
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How it is used
- On the spot, right then and there - 他当即表示同意 (tā dāngjí biǎoshì tóngyì) he agreed then and there; 当即拒绝 (dāngjí jùjué) refused immediately.
- Adverb, written/formal; stresses no delay between event and response.
- Near-synonym 立即 (lìjí, at once) is more neutral/general; 当即 emphasizes 'at that very moment' in reaction to something.