gāng
adverbBeginner just, just now, just about to
informal

Used to indicate that something happened very recently or is about to happen.

他刚到家。

He just got home.

我刚要出门。

I was just about to leave.

💡

Often used with the aspect particle '了' (le) to indicate recent completion.

informal

Used to emphasize that something is happening at the moment of speaking.

我刚在看电视。

I'm just watching TV.

💡

Can be used with the aspect particle '着' (zhe) to indicate ongoing action.

Collocations

刚才just now刚刚just a moment ago刚好just right

Related Phrases

刚才phrase
just now
刚刚phrase
just a moment ago
刚好phrase
just right

💡Pro Tip

Usage with Aspect Particles

Just can be used with '了' (le) to indicate recent completion or with '着' (zhe) to indicate ongoing action.

Gold Rule

Recent Actions

Use '刚' to describe actions that happened very recently or are about to happen.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the character '刚', meaning 'hard' or 'firm', but in modern usage, it is used to indicate recent or imminent actions.

📝Usage Notes

Can be used alone or with other words to indicate recent actions or imminent actions. Often used with aspect particles '了' (le) or '着' (zhe).

Word Breakdown

hard, firm
root
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