以前 yǐqián before
before; formerly; previous
How to remember 以前: 以 to use + 前 in front = before.
Characters
How it is used
- "before, in the past" - 以前我住在北京 (yǐqián wǒ zhù zài Běijīng) I used to live in Beijing.
- After a phrase it means "before X": 吃饭以前 (chīfàn yǐqián) before eating.
- Contrast its mirror 以后 (yǐhòu, after/later).
Example sentences
- 我7点以前下班。 Wǒ qī diǎn yǐqián xiàbān.I get off work by 7:00 p.m.
- 他以前住在这儿。 Tā yǐqián zhù zài zhèér.He used to live here.
- 他以前很早起床。 Tā yǐqián hěnzǎo qǐchuáng.He used to get up early.