Definition
曾经 (céng jīng) means 'once / used to' and describes a past experience that no longer holds. It contrasts with 已经 (yǐjīng 'already'), which focuses on completion with present relevance, and differs from 一度 (yī dù 'at one time'), which refers to a past period rather than a single experience. 曾 (céng) is a short, literary synonym.
adverb
once (indicating a past experience)at some point in the pastused to
Examples
- 曾经。Tā céng jīng shì yì míng yōuxiù de yīshēng.He used to be an excellent doctor.
- 曾经。Wǒ céng jīng xiǎng guo chūguó liúxué.I once thought about studying abroad.
- 曾经。Tā céng jīng zài zhèlǐ zhù guo hěn duō nián.She once lived here for many years.
Grammar
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