さっき
🃏 Flashcard
さっき
sakki
Tap to reveal usage
some time ago; just now
N4
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N4
Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences
Reading
sakki
Post ID
50753
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
some time ago; just now
📖 How to use it
さっき means 'a little while ago' or 'just now,' referring to a point in the recent past.
Attaches to
Used as an adverb at the beginning or middle of a sentence, before the verb or after the topic. No specific verb form is required; the sentence is in the past tense.
さっき points to a time shortly before the moment of speaking, like 'a few minutes ago' or 'earlier today.' It is common in everyday conversation to refer to something that just happened or was done. For example, if someone asks if you've eaten, you might say 'さっき食べた' (I ate a little while ago).
さっき is placed at the start of the sentence or after the topic, and the verb is in the past tense. It is not used for distant past (like yesterday) or future. It is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and polite speech, though in very formal writing you might prefer '先ほど' (sakihodo).
さっき、駅で田中さんを見ました。
Sakki, eki de Tanaka-san o mimashita.
I saw Tanaka at the station a little while ago.
さっき電話があったよ。
Sakki denwa ga atta yo.
There was a phone call just now.
さっきの質問に答えてください。
Sakki no shitsumon ni kotaete kudasai.
Please answer the question from a moment ago.
Not たった今 (tatta ima)
たった今 means 'just this moment,' even more immediate than さっき. For example, if you just finished something seconds ago, use たった今; if it was a few minutes ago, use さっき.
Register
さっき is casual but acceptable in most everyday spoken situations; in formal writing or polite speech, use 先ほど.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
さっき
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat さっき three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using さっき. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N4 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern さっき mean?
▼
Some time ago; just now
What JLPT level is さっき?
▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N4 — Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use さっき in a sentence?
▼
Attach さっき (sakki) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is さっき formal or casual Japanese?
▼
さっき is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember さっき long-term?
▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.