NounsHSK 3
Before a specific time with 以前
Place 以前 after a time word or verb phrase to express that something happens before that time or event. Remember to put the time or verb BEFORE 以前, not after.
Structure
Time / Verb + 以前 ，⋯⋯
Examples
- 吃饭以前，你洗手了吗？Chīfàn yǐqián , nǐ xǐ shǒu le ma?Did you wash your hands before eating?
- 两年以前，你认识他吗？Liǎng nián yǐqián , nǐ rènshi tā ma?Did you know him two years ago?
- 星期五以前，你要做完这些工作。Xīngqīwǔ yǐqián , nǐ yào zuò wán zhèxiē gōngzuò.You need to finish this work before Friday.
- 二十年以前，这里是一个公园。Èrshí nián yǐqián , zhèlǐ shì yī gè gōngyuán.Twenty years ago, this was a park.
- 毕业以前，我要找到工作。Bìyè yǐqián , wǒ yào zhǎodào gōngzuò.I need to find a job before graduation.