直ちに
ただちに · tadachini · JLPT N3 · adverb
at once
⚡ 直 = straight, so 直ちに = straight away
The kanji 直 means straight or direct, as in 直線 (straight line). Doing something straight away, with no detour or delay, is 直ちに. Sound hook: ta-da-chi-ni, like a ta-da! that happens right now.
直 — 十 ten + 目 eye + 乚 hidden line
Originally depicted an eye (目) looking straight along a vertical line, suggesting a direct, unswerving gaze. The form combines 目 'eye' with strokes indicating straightness. From this came the meanings 'straight,' 'upright,' and by extension 'honest' or 'direct.'