最近 (saikin) means 'recently' or 'lately.' It refers to a period of time that is not long ago, typically days, weeks, or months. For example, '最近、忙しいですか？' (Have you been busy recently?). It indicates present or near-past activities.

「最近」は、今からあまり前ではない頃のことです。例：「最近の出来事」