先程(さきほど)

さきほど
adverb
a little while ago, just now
formalpolitebusinessdescriptive
1. a little while ago, just now, a moment ago
Refers to a short time in the recent past, typically within the same day or conversation.
先程(さきほど)電話(でんわ)がありました。
There was a phone call a little while ago.
先程(さきほど)お話(はな)しした件(けん)ですが。
Regarding the matter we discussed earlier.
先程(さきほど)は失礼(しつれい)しました。
I apologize for earlier.
先程(さきほど)お送(おく)りしたメールに添付(てんぷ)ファイルを付(つ)け忘(わす)れました。
I forgot to attach the file to the email I sent earlier.
先程(さきほど)お電話(でんわ)した者(もの)ですが、担当(たんとう)者(しゃ)の方(かた)はお戻(もど)りになりましたでしょうか。
I am the person who called earlier. Has the person in charge returned?
Very polite business Japanese

先程(さきほど) refers to a short time in the recent past, typically within the same conversation or meeting.

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Polite and formal. Standard in business settings, customer service, and formal writing.

Formality comparison

  • さっき: casual (friends, family)
  • 先程(さきほど): polite/formal (business, strangers)
  • ついさっき: just a moment ago (casual emphasis)

Common expressions

Usage

In formal contexts, always use 先程(さきほど) instead of さっき to maintain appropriate politeness.

Related Words

Synonym: 今(いま)しがた (just now (formal))
Related: 先(さき) (ahead; earlier; tip)
Compare: 少(すこ)し前(まえ) (a little while ago)
core
Added 2026.1.13 23:00 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
04000/04165_sakihodo