ทันที

Explanation

The central idea of ทันที is that there is virtually no time gap between a particular point or event and what follows. As an adverb, it commonly follows a verb or verb phrase, as in ตอบทันที (“answer immediately”). In commands and requests, it adds urgency. In ทันทีที่ + clause, it functions as part of a time-linking expression meaning “as soon as.” The pattern ทันทีที่ A, B ก็... (“as soon as A, B happens”) is also common. โดยทันที is a slightly more formal version often found in regulations, notices, news reports, and workplace instructions.

Usage

It is widely used for everyday instructions, promises, urgent requests, and descriptions of event order—for example, telling someone to come right away, asking them to call as soon as they arrive, or saying that someone answered instantly. It is natural in conversation, email, notices, news, and workplace instructions.

Caution

When introducing a clause meaning “as soon as,” normally use the complete form ทันทีที่; do not simply place a clause directly after ทันที without ที่. Also, ทันที does not merely mean “fast.” It indicates that something begins or occurs with no delay from a particular point.

1 immediately synonyms

• ทันใดนั้น

  ทันใดนั้น introduces a sudden, often unexpected event in a narrative, similar to “suddenly” or “at that moment.” ทันที simply says that something happens without delay, whether or not it is unexpected.

• เดี๋ยวนี้

  dǐaw níi right now

  เดี๋ยวนี้ emphasizes “now” and can mean “right now” in a forceful command. ทันที instead emphasizes that something occurs without delay after a particular point or event.