前者 qiánzhě the former (i.e. the one mentioned first)
How to remember 前者: 前 in front + 者 specialist = the former (i.e. the one mentioned first).
Characters
How it is used
- 'The former' when comparing two named things - 前者便宜，后者可靠 (qiánzhě piányi, hòuzhě kěkào) the former is cheap, the latter reliable.
- Always paired with 后者 (hòuzhě, the latter); used only after two options have been listed.
- Written/formal register; in casual speech people repeat the noun or point instead.