Translation guide
Expresses that something happened or will happen before now, before a reference time, or earlier than expected. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on whether you mean 'a short while ago', 'previously in general', 'earlier than planned', or 'earlier in a sequence'.
Please arrive earlier than usual.
To say that something happened a short time ago, often within the same day or very recently.
The most common casual word for 'a little while ago' or 'just now'. Used in spoken Japanese for recent events.
I saw Tanaka earlier.
It was raining until a little while ago.
Polite/formal equivalent of さっき. Used in business settings or when speaking politely.
Emphasizes 'just now', even more immediate than さっき. Often used when something just happened moments ago.
To say that something happened or will happen sooner than scheduled or anticipated.
Adverbial form of 早い (early). Used to say 'earlier than usual/expected'. Can modify verbs.
To refer to a point in time before now, often in a narrative or when comparing past and present.
Means 'before', 'previously', 'earlier'. Can be used alone or with a time reference (e.g., 三年前以前 = earlier than three years ago).
To specify that something happened earlier in the same day, often contrasting with now.
Literally 'at an early time today'. Natural way to say 'earlier today' without specifying exact time.
To refer to something that comes before in a list, process, or narrative.
Means 'ahead', 'first', 'earlier in order'. Used when one action precedes another.
さっき is casual and used in everyday conversation. 先ほど is the polite version, suitable for business or formal situations. Both mean 'a short while ago'.
I told you earlier (casual).
I finished my work earlier than expected.
先ほど、メールをお送りしました。
I sent you an email earlier.
I just got home earlier (moments ago).
今日はいつもより早く起きた。
I woke up earlier than usual today.
The meeting ended earlier (than expected).
Explicitly means 'earlier than planned/scheduled'. Useful for clarity.
The train arrived earlier than scheduled.
Means 'a little earlier', 'on the early side'. Often used when you intentionally do something earlier to be safe.
I left home a little earlier (than necessary).
I lived here earlier/previously.
I feel better than before/earlier.
Literally 'before', used after a noun or verb to mean 'earlier than that point'. Very common in speech.
I met him once earlier/before.
Wash your hands earlier (before eating).
Formal/literary word for 'once', 'formerly', 'in earlier times'. Used in writing or formal speech.
There was a castle here in earlier times.
I called you earlier today, but you didn't answer.
Means 'this morning'. Use when 'earlier' specifically refers to the morning.
There was an earthquake earlier this morning.
Means 'before noon'. Use when 'earlier' refers to the late morning.
I'll go out for a bit earlier (before noon).
先に宿題を終わらせてから遊びなさい。
Finish your homework earlier (first), then you can play.
Please go ahead (earlier than me).
Attributive form meaning 'previous', 'earlier (one)'. Used before nouns.
As explained in the earlier chapter.
As I mentioned earlier (formal).
早い means 'early' in the sense of 'early morning' or 'ahead of schedule'. To say 'earlier today' meaning 'a few hours ago', use さっき or 今日の早い時間に, not just 早く.
It rained earlier today.
Earlier, I was at the library.
Could you come a little earlier tomorrow?