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.
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.
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.