lately

Compared meaning: not long ago, up to now (adverb).

比较义项：最近，指刚过去不久的一段时间（副词）。

• recently

  Used for a specific, often one-time action or event that happened a short time ago; pairs naturally with simple past tense.

  用于描述最近发生的某个具体的、通常是一次性的动作或事件；自然地与一般过去时搭配。

  I recently started learning how to paint.

  我最近开始学画画了。

• lately 本词

  Refers to a stretch of time up to now, usually with present perfect, often implying an ongoing situation, trend or change one has noticed.

  指从过去延续到现在的一段时间，通常与现在完成时连用，往往暗示一种持续的状态、趋势或注意到的变化。

  I haven't seen my neighbor much lately, maybe he moved away.

  我最近不太常见到我的邻居，也许他搬走了。

Recently and lately both mean not long ago, but differ in focus. Recently usually describes a specific, one-time event, and pairs with the simple past tense. Lately refers to a period of time up to now, almost always with the present perfect, suggesting a trend.

两词都表示“最近”，但侧重点不同：recently 常与具体的一次性动作或短暂事件搭配，可与过去时或完成时连用；lately 更强调从过去持续到现在的一段时间，几乎总与现在完成时连用，带有一种延续或变化的意味。