HSK 4 刚 vs 刚才
just (adverb before verb) vs just now (time word)
Comparison / 对比
| 刚 gāng | 刚才 gāngcái | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Adverb: goes before verb | Time noun: can be subject/object modifier |
| Position | Must be before verb: 刚到 | Flexible: 刚才的话 / 我刚才说的 |
| With 的 | Cannot: ×刚的事 | Can: 刚才的事 (the thing from just now) |
| Time feel | Emphasizes 'just' (very recent action) | Points to a moment 'just now' |
Examples / 例句
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
Quick Quiz / 小测验
Real HSK 4 Test Questions Using 刚 or 刚才 / 真题示例
2 actual HSK 4 questions from our mock exams that test the 刚 vs 刚才 distinction:
★ 根据这段话，可以知道我：
刚 vs 刚才 FAQ
Are 刚 and 刚才 interchangeable in HSK 4?
No. Although 刚 (gāng) and 刚才 (gāngcái) translate similarly into English, HSK 4 fill-in-the-blank and listening questions test exactly the distinction between them. 刚 = adverb, must go right before a verb (刚吃, 刚到).
How is 刚 vs 刚才 tested in HSK 4?
Most often in HSK 4 阅读 (reading) Part 1 选词填空 (Q46-55), where you choose the correct word for a blank in a sentence. Also appears in 听力 (listening) where the speaker uses one but the printed answer paraphrases with the other. Master both 刚 and 刚才 collocations to lock in these points.
What's the quickest way to remember 刚 vs 刚才?
刚 = adverb, must go right before a verb (刚吃, 刚到). 刚才 = time noun, can modify nouns (刚才的电话) or stand alone as a time reference. Test: can you put 的 after it? Yes → 刚才. No → 刚. Practice 3-5 fill-in-blank questions in our HSK 4 mock exams to lock the distinction.