Translation guide
Expresses that something happened or existed a short while before the present moment. Japanese uses several time adverbs and phrases, with nuances of formality, temporal distance, and context.
a short time ago (casual)
a short time ago (polite)
The speaker refers to an event or state that occurred or existed a short while before now, without specifying exactly how long ago.
Very common in casual conversation. Refers to a moment just a few minutes or hours ago. Not used for distant past.
A friend called me a short time ago.
Polite/formal equivalent of さっき. Used in business settings, speeches, or when speaking to superiors.
Casual phrase meaning 'a little while ago'. Slightly more vague than さっき.
It was raining until a little while ago.
Emphasizes 'just now', 'a moment ago'. Stronger immediacy than さっき.
The speaker refers to something that happened earlier today, often in the morning or a few hours ago.
Still the most natural choice for 'earlier today' in casual speech.
The speaker refers to something that happened a few days or weeks ago, not necessarily today.
Used in storytelling or descriptions to indicate that something happened a short while before the reference point in the past.
Standard way to say 'a short time before' in past narratives.
さっき is casual and used with friends/family. 先ほど is the polite version used in formal situations, business, or with strangers. Using さっき with a superior can sound rude.
I told you a moment ago. (casual)
He was here until just a moment ago.
先ほど、メールをお送りしました。
I sent you an email a short time ago.
Regarding the call you made a short time ago.
I just got home a moment ago.
I just ate breakfast a short time ago.
Polite version for earlier today.
I'm Tanaka, whom you met a short time ago.
Emphasizes 'just a moment ago', even more immediate than さっき.
I was sleeping until just a moment ago.
Means 'recently', 'lately'. Covers a broader time span than さっき. Can refer to days or weeks ago.
A new café opened a short time ago (recently).
Literally 'a little before', can be used for recent past beyond the same day.
I moved here a short time ago.
Means 'the other day', 'recently'. Refers to a vague recent past, often a few days or weeks ago.
I went to see a movie a short time ago (the other day).
He left here a short time ago.
Literary or formal word meaning 'a short while ago'. Rare in modern conversation.
I learned of it a short time ago.
先ほど申し上げた通りです。
As I mentioned a short time ago. (formal)
さっき is only for very recent past (minutes/hours). For days or weeks ago, use 最近 or この間. Using さっき for last week sounds unnatural.
I went to Hokkaido recently.