Definition

Adverb / Time Expression: - A little while ago; just now: Refers to a recent, unspecified point in the past, typically earlier in the same day or within the immediate context of the conversation. It indicates an action or event that happened not long before the present moment of speaking.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Ban nãy trời mưa rất to. (It was raining very heavily a little while ago.)
  • Tôi đã gặp cô ấy ban nãy. (I met her just now.)
  • Anh ấy vừa gọi điện cho bạn ban nãy. (He called you just now.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to contrast a past state with the present.
  • Ban nãy anh còn ở đây, giờ đi đâu rồi? (He was here just a moment ago, where did he go now?)
• Often paired with "vừa" (just) for emphasis on recentness.
  • Tôi vừa mới thấy chìa khóa của bạn ban nãy. (I just saw your keys a moment ago.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hồi nãy (adv): A very close synonym, also meaning "a little while ago."
  • Hồi nãy tôi có nhắc đến bạn. (I mentioned you a little while ago.)
• Vừa rồi (adv): Just now, recently (can refer to a slightly broader recent past).
  • Cuộc họp vừa rồi rất quan trọng. (The recent meeting was very important.)

Synonyms

• A moment ago: Indicates a very short time in the past.
• Just now: Refers to something that happened in the immediate past.
• A short while ago: Slightly more formal equivalent.

Related Phrases

• Hồi ban nãy: A reinforced form combining "hồi" (time period) and "ban nãy," meaning "earlier on" or "a short time ago."
  • Hồi ban nãy tôi đang bận. (I was busy earlier on.)
• Từ lúc ban nãy: Since a little while ago.
  • Cô ấy đã chờ từ lúc ban nãy. (She has been waiting since a little while ago.)

1. A little while ago, just now