What it means
さっき means “a short while ago” or “just now.” It refers to a time shortly before the current moment, usually within the same day. It commonly appears before a verb or clause to describe when an action happened. The exact time is flexible and depends on the context.
Usage note
さっき usually refers to a recent past event, so it is not suitable for events that happened long ago. Before a noun, use the related expression さっきの, as in さっきの電話 (“the phone call from a short while ago”).
Example sentences
さっき駅で先生に会いました。
I met my teacher at the station a short while ago.
さっき母からメールが届きました。
I received an email from my mother a short while ago.
さっき図書館で借りた本を机の上に置きました。
I put the book I borrowed from the library a short while ago on the desk.
さっき冷蔵庫に牛乳