さっき

さっき
adverb
a little while ago; just now
1. a little while ago; just now
Refers to a short time before the present moment.
さっき電話(でんわ)があったよ。
There was a phone call just now.
さっき()ったでしょう。
I told you just a moment ago, didn't I?
さっきまでここにいたのに。
He was here until just a moment ago.

さっき is an adverb meaning "a little while ago" or "just now," referring to the very recent past (usually minutes to an hour ago).

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • さっき〜した: did ~ just now
  • さっきまで: until just now
  • さっきから: since a little while ago
  • さっきの: the one from just now

TIME REFERENCE WORDS:

  • さっき: a few minutes ago (very recent)
  • このあいだ: the other day (days to weeks)
  • (まえ)に: before (general past)
  • 最近(さいきん): recently (days to weeks)
  • (さき)ほど: a little while ago (more formal than さっき)

NOTE:
さっき is casual. In formal situations, use (さき)ほど instead.