前言 (qián yán) — preface, foreword, introduction (of a book); earlier remarks, previous statements
Definition
A short opening section that introduces a book or a speech/talk — comes before the main content. More formal and written than 序言 (xùyán), which is a near-synonym often used in classical or literary works.
noun
prefaceforewordintroduction (of a book)earlier remarksprevious statements
Examples
- 前言。Zhè běn xiǎo shuō de qián yán jiè shào le zuò zhě xiě shū de bèi jǐng.The preface of this novel introduces the background of the author's writing.
- 前言，。Kāi huì shí tā xiān shuō le jǐ jù qián yán, rán hòu cái jìn rù zhǔ tí.During the meeting, he first made a few opening remarks before getting to the main topic.
- 前言，。Zhè běn shū de qián yán xiě dé fēi cháng jiǎn míng, dú zhě hěn róng yì lǐ jiě.The foreword of this book is written very concisely, making it easy for readers to understand.
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