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.
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.
さっき、友達から電話があった。
A friend called me a short time ago.
さっきまでここにいたんだけど。
He was here until just a moment ago.
Polite/formal equivalent of さっき. Used in business settings, speeches, or when speaking to superiors.
先ほど、メールをお送りしました。
I sent you an email a short time ago.
先ほどお電話いただいた件ですが。
Regarding the call you made a short time ago.
Casual phrase meaning 'a little while ago'. Slightly more vague than さっき.
ちょっと前まで雨が降ってたよ。
It was raining until a little while ago.
Emphasizes 'just now', 'a moment ago'. Stronger immediacy than さっき.
たった今、家に着いたところです。
I just got home a moment ago.
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.
さっき朝ごはんを食べたばかりだ。
I just ate breakfast a short time ago.
Polite version for earlier today.
Emphasizes 'just a moment ago', even more immediate than さっき.
ついさっきまで寝てた。
I was sleeping until just a moment ago.
The speaker refers to something that happened a few days or weeks ago, not necessarily today.
Means 'recently', 'lately'. Covers a broader time span than さっき. Can refer to days or weeks ago.
最近、新しいカフェができたんだ。
A new café opened a short time ago (recently).
Literally 'a little before', can be used for recent past beyond the same day.
少し前に引っ越してきました。
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.
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.
彼は少し前にここを出た。
He left here a short time ago.
Literary or formal word meaning 'a short while ago'. Rare in modern conversation.
先刻承知した。
I learned of it a short time ago.
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.
さっき言ったでしょ。
I told you a moment ago. (casual)
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.
最近、北海道に行った。
I went to Hokkaido recently.
先ほどお会いした田中です。
I'm Tanaka, whom you met a short time ago.
この間、映画を見に行ったよ。
I went to see a movie a short time ago (the other day).