以前 (yǐ qián) — before; ago; in the past; previously
Definition
以前 (yǐqián) is a general 'before / in the past' — works for both 'ago' (with a time word) and 'previously'. More common in speech than 之前, and less literary than 昔日 or 以往.
noun
beforeagoin the pastpreviously
Examples
- 以前，。Tā yǐ qián shì lǎo shī, xiàn zài bú zuò le.He was a teacher before, but he doesn't do it now.
- 以前。Chī fàn yǐ qián yào xǐ shǒu.You should wash your hands before eating.
- 以前，。Hěn jiǔ yǐ qián, zhè lǐ yǒu yí piàn sēn lín.A long time ago, there was a forest here.
Grammar
Appears in
Browse more HSK 3 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.