前夕 qiánxī eve
eve; the day before
How to remember 前夕: 前 in front + 夕 evening = eve.
Characters
How it is used
- The eve of a significant event - 春节前夕 (Chūnjié qiánxī) on the eve of Spring Festival; 战争前夕 on the eve of war.
- Somewhat formal; used for weighty or festive occasions, not for 'the night before' a trivial event.
- Time-word, sits before the noun it modifies.