Definition
以前 (yǐqián) is the everyday HSK3 word for "before" or "ago" in time — it can stand alone (e.g., 以前他是老师) or follow a time/event (e.g., 吃饭以前). 前 (qián) also means "before" but commonly means "front" (location); 之前 (zhīqián) is a more formal, written synonym. 从前 (cóngqián) is specifically "once upon a time" to start a story.
noun
beforeagoin the pastpreviously
Examples
- 以前，。Tā yǐ qián shì lǎoshī, xiànzài bú zuò le.He was a teacher before, but he doesn't do it now.
- 以前。Chīfàn yǐ qián yào xǐshǒu.You should wash your hands before eating.
- 以前，。Hěn jiǔ yǐ qián, zhèlǐ yǒu yí piàn sēnlín.A long time ago, there was a forest here.
Grammar
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