khi nãy

Definition

Adverb:
- A short while ago; just now; a moment ago: Indicates an event or action that occurred in the very recent past, often just before the present moment of speaking.

Usage

Position in a sentence: Typically placed at the beginning or the end of a sentence to modify the entire clause. It can also be placed after the subject.
Function: Used to specify the timing of a past action as being very recent.

Usage Examples

At the beginning of a sentence:
- Khi nãy, tôi đã gặp cô ấy ở thư viện. (A moment ago, I met her at the library.)
At the end of a sentence:
- Anh ấy vừa gọi điện cho bạn khi nãy. (He just called you a short while ago.)
After the subject:
- Tôi khi nãy có nói chuyện với giáo viên. (I spoke with the teacher just now.)

Advanced Usage

Contrasting with the present: Often used to highlight that a recent past state is different from the current one.
- Khi nãy trời còn nắng, bây giờ lại mưa rồi. (It was sunny a moment ago, but now it's raining.)
In questions: Used to ask about very recent events.
- Khi nãy ai đã gõ cửa vậy? (Who knocked on the door just now?)

Variants and Related Words

Nãy (adv): A shortened, more colloquial form with the same meaning.
- Anh ấy mới đến nãy thôi. (He just arrived a moment ago.)
Vừa nãy (adv): A synonym meaning "just a moment ago," often used for extra emphasis.
- Tôi vừa nãy còn thấy chìa khóa ở đây. (I just saw the keys here a moment ago.)
Hồi nãy (adv): Another common synonym, interchangeable with "khi nãy."
- Hồi nãy có người hỏi thăm bạn. (Someone was asking for you a while ago.)

Synonyms

Notes on Meaning

Temporal Proximity: "Khi nãy" refers to a point in time very close to the present. The exact duration is subjective but implies immediacy (e.g., seconds or minutes ago).
Not for distant past: It is not used for events that happened hours, days, or longer ago. For those, words like "hôm qua" (yesterday) or "tuần trước" (last week) are used.