以前
yǐqián
Before, previously
How to say “before” in Chinese with 以前 (yǐqián)
以前 (yǐqián)，⋯⋯
以前 (yǐ qián) — before, previously
HSK 3Nouns
以前 (yǐqián)，⋯⋯
HSK 3Nouns以前 (yǐ qián) — before, previously
Rule structure
以前 (yǐqián) at the beginning of a sentence means “before,” “formerly,” or “in the past.” In this position, it functions as an independent time adverbial and describes a past situation without tying it to a specific event.
Rule structure
以前 (yǐqián) at the beginning of a sentence means “before,” “formerly,” or “in the past.” In this position, it functions as an independent time adverbial and describes a past situation without tying it to a specific event.
Examples
以前，我不会说中文。
Yǐqián, wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén.
I couldn't speak Chinese before.
我十年以前住在北京。
Wǒ shínián yǐqián zhù zài Běijīng.
I lived in Beijing ten years ago.
以前我不喜欢喝茶。
Yǐqián wǒ bù xǐhuān hēchá.
Before, I didn't like drinking tea.
Examples
以前，我不会说中文。
Yǐqián, wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén.
I couldn't speak Chinese before.
我十年以前住在北京。
Wǒ shínián yǐqián zhù zài Běijīng.
I lived in Beijing ten years ago.
以前我不喜欢喝茶。
Yǐqián wǒ bù xǐhuān hēchá.
Before, I didn't like drinking tea.
Practice
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Characters
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “before, previously” in Chinese with 以前?
Use the structure: 以前 (yǐqián)，⋯⋯. For example: 以前，我不会说中文。 — “I couldn't speak Chinese before”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
以前，我不会说中文。 — “I couldn't speak Chinese before”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.
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