Translation guide
Expresses doing something immediately, at a particular location, or under pressure. Japanese uses different words for 'immediately', 'at that place', and 'in a difficult situation'.
その場で決めました。
I decided on the spot.
彼は即座に支払った。
He paid on the spot.
The action is done right away, often in response to something.
Common adverb meaning 'immediately' or 'on the spot', often used for quick reactions or decisions.
彼は即座に返事をした。
He replied on the spot.
Literally 'at that place', but often implies doing something immediately without leaving the current situation.
その場で決めてください。
Please decide on the spot.
General word for 'immediately', but less formal than 即座に. Can be used in many contexts.
すぐに直します。
I'll fix it on the spot.
Formal, often used in business or legal contexts for 'immediate' or 'on the spot'.
即時にお支払いください。
Please pay on the spot.
Something happens or is done at the place where the person is, often without moving.
Used when an action is performed right there, at that location.
彼はその場で倒れた。
He collapsed on the spot.
Often used for 'at the scene' or 'on site', especially in work or incident contexts.
警察が現場で調べた。
The police investigated on the spot.
Being put in a position where one must act or answer immediately, often uncomfortably.
Can also imply being forced to respond or act without preparation.
その場で質問されて困った。
I was put on the spot with a question and didn't know what to say.
Means 'suddenly', often used when someone is caught off guard.
急に意見を求められて緊張した。
I was put on the spot when suddenly asked for my opinion.
その場で emphasizes the location or immediate context, while 即座に focuses purely on the speed of the reaction. Use その場で when the place matters, and 即座に when only the immediacy is important.
その場でサインした。
I signed it on the spot (right there).
即座にサインした。
I signed it immediately.
Do not translate 'on the spot' literally as スポットの上に. This is unnatural and incorrect. Use the expressions above depending on the intended meaning.