เมื่อกี้

Explanation

เมื่อกี้ refers to the very recent past as viewed from the present moment. It often covers anything from a few seconds to several minutes ago, but there is no fixed time limit; what matters is that the speaker considers the event recent. It can appear at either the beginning or the end of a clause. For example, เมื่อกี้เขามา and เขามาเมื่อกี้ both mean “He came a moment ago.” It can also follow a noun, as in คนเมื่อกี้, “the person from a moment ago,” or เรื่องเมื่อกี้, “what we were talking about a moment ago.” The word itself is not polite or impolite; ครับ or ค่ะ may be added when politeness is needed.

Usage

It is frequently used in everyday conversations with family, friends, or coworkers when referring to a recent call, comment, visit, meal, or other action. It is also useful when asking someone to repeat what they said a moment ago.

Caution

Do not confuse it with เมื่อก่อน, which means “before,” “formerly,” or “in the past.” เมื่อกี้ refers specifically to the very recent past. In more formal settings, เมื่อสักครู่ may be more appropriate.

1 just now synonyms

• เมื่อตะกี้

  เมื่อตะกี้ is another colloquial way to say “just now” and is used much like เมื่อกี้. เมื่อกี้ is the shorter, widely used basic form.

• เมื่อสักครู่

  เมื่อสักครู่ also means “a short while ago,” but it sounds somewhat more polite and is better suited to formal situations. เมื่อกี้ is more conversational and common in everyday speech.