刚才 gāngcái just now
just now; a moment ago
How to remember 刚才: 刚 just + 才 only just = just now.
Characters
How it is used
- Just now, a moment ago - 刚才你说什么 (gāngcái nǐ shuō shénme) what did you say just now? It's a time NOUN referring to a recent past moment.
- Key contrast with the adverb 刚 / 刚刚 (gāng / gānggāng, just did): 刚才 marks a point on the clock and can sit as a subject/topic; 刚 attaches right before the verb - 我刚来 (wǒ gāng lái) I just arrived vs 刚才我来了 (gāngcái wǒ lái le).
- 才 here is part of the word, not the 'only then' adverb 才.
Example sentences
- 我刚才在家。 Wǒ gāngcái zàijiā.I was at home.
- 我刚才起床了。 Wǒ gāngcái qǐchuáng le.I just got up.
- 刚才有你的电话。 Gāngcái yǒu nǐ de diànhuà.You received a call a short while ago.