natychmiast

Natychmiast is a Polish adverb meaning immediately, at once, or without delay. It is used to indicate that an action should occur or has occurred without waiting. The word is common in both spoken and written Polish and appears in formal as well as informal contexts. It often accompanies verbs to stress urgency, for example: “Zadzwoń natychmiast” (Call immediately) or “Proszę odpowiedzieć natychmiast” (Please respond immediately). The related adjective natychmiastowy denotes something instantaneous or prompt, as in “natychmiastowy raport.”

Usage notes: Natychmiast expresses immediacy and can carry a sense of urgency; it is stronger than “zaraz” in many contexts and can be similar in meaning to “od razu” or “niezwłocznie.” In formal writing, it commonly appears in directives or orders; in journalism it signals promptness of action or reaction.

Etymology: The precise origin of natychmiast is not clearly established; linguists treat it as a native Polish compound whose development reflects the language’s emphasis on immediacy. It is widely recognized and has remained in common use across centuries.