以前
Grammar & Usage
temporal noun/adverbial
neutral
How it works
以前 (yǐqián) typically functions as a temporal noun meaning 'the past' or an adverbial phrase meaning 'before, formerly'. It often follows a specific time point or event to indicate 'before X', or stands alone to mean 'in the past'. It can modify verbs or entire clauses.
Sample sentences
我以前在这里工作。
I used to work here before.
三年以前，我们是邻居。
Three years ago, we were neighbors.
你以前去过中国吗？
Have you been to China before?
Quick facts
placement:Can be placed at the beginning of a sentence, before the verb, or after a specific time/event. E.g., 'X 以前' means 'before X'.
Mnemonic
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Example
我以前在这里工作。
I used to work here before.
三年以前，我们是邻居。
Three years ago, we were neighbors.
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