a short time ago; a while ago; for some time
Used to refer to a point in the recent past or a duration that started recently. The exact time span is vague and context-dependent.
I've been living here for some time now.
I met him a while ago.
Standard mixed kana-kanji spelling.
Kanji spelling is rare and may be unfamiliar to many readers.
Compound of しばらく (for a while) and 前 (before).