此前 (cǐ qián) — before this; previously; prior to this

Definition

此前 (cǐ qián) is a formal, written word meaning 'before this / previously', used to refer back to a specific point in time just mentioned, especially in reports or announcements. It differs from the general, everyday 以前 (yǐ qián) 'before/ago' and the common 之前 (zhī qián) 'before', which are more flexible and less formal. For narrative or storytelling contexts, 从前 (cóng qián) 'once upon a time' is used.

noun

before thispreviouslyprior to this

Examples

此前，。
cǐ qián, gōngsī yǐjīng jiějué le zhè ge wèntí.
Before this, the company had already solved this problem.
，。
Jù cǐ qián bàodào, shìjiàn fāshēng zài zuótiān wǎnshang.
According to previous reports, the incident happened last night.
此前。
Huìyì cǐ qián juédìng tuīchí dào xià zhōu.
The meeting previously decided to be postponed to next week.

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