AdverbsHSK 5
Expressing 'once' with 曾经
Use 曾经 before a verb to indicate that an action or state occurred at some point in the past, often paired with the particle 过 to emphasize the experiential nature. This pattern is common in storytelling and reminiscences.
To negate 曾经, use the formal adverbs 不曾 or 未曾 rather than 不 or 没; saying 不曾经 or 没曾经 is incorrect.
Structure
Subj. + 曾经 + Verb + 过 (+ Obj.)
the particle 过 is typically included to mark past experience, though occasionally omitted
Examples
- 我们曾经一起去过。Wǒmen céngjīng yīqǐ qù guò .We once went there together.
- 我曾经喜欢过你。Wǒ céngjīng xǐhuan guò nǐ.I once liked you.
- 她曾经想当演员，后来成了全职太太。Tā céngjīng xiǎng dāng yǎnyuán, hòulái chéng le quánzhí tàitai.She once wanted to become an actress. She later became a stay-at-home mom.
- 我们都曾经年轻过。Wǒmen dōu céngjīng niánqīng guò .We were all young once.
- 他的音乐曾经流行过。Tā de yīnyuè céngjīng liúxíng guò .His music was once popular.