• 即すなわち — that is; namely; in other words
• 即時そくじ — immediate; instant
• 即刻そっこく — right away; on the spot
• 即応そくおう — prompt response
• 即席そくせき — instant; improvised
• 即断そくだん — snap decision; prompt judgment
• 即答そくとう — immediate answer; quick reply
• 即決そっけつ — instant decision; summary judgment
• 即興そっきょう — improvisation; spontaneous performance
• 即位そくい — accession to the throne; enthronement

即 originally depicted a person kneeling beside food — about to “attach” or “move toward” it. From that sense of proximity came the meanings “to approach,” “to connect,” and eventually “immediate.” It expresses something happening right next to an action — with no delay.

Think of 即時（そくじ） — when something happens instantly, without a pause or second thought. In emergencies or quick decisions, 即 captures that reflex action — direct, fast, and connected to the moment. It’s also seen in 即刻（そっこく）, meaning “right now” or “on the spot.”