以前 yǐqián — before, previously, in the past
yǐqián (third tone, dipping)yi3qian2
before, previously, in the past
HSK 3· HSK 1–4 (classic)Level 3· Three-band, nine-level standardnoun
Meanings
before, previously, in the past
Earlier than now, or earlier than a stated point. Chinese puts it *after* what it refers to: 吃饭以前, 八点以前 — the reverse of English "before dinner".
noun
Example sentences
- 吃饭以前要洗手。吃飯以前要洗手。Chī (first tone, high and level) fàn (fourth tone, falling) yǐqián (third tone, dipping) yào (fourth tone, falling) xǐ (third tone, dipping) shǒu. (third tone, dipping)···
You should wash your hands before eating.
- 以前我不会说汉语，现在会一点儿了。以前我不會說漢語，現在會一點兒了。Yǐqián (third tone, dipping) wǒ (third tone, dipping) bú (second tone, rising) huì (fourth tone, falling) shuō (first tone, high and level) Hànyǔ, (fourth tone, falling) xiànzài (fourth tone, falling) huì (fourth tone, falling) yìdiǎnr (fourth tone, falling) le. (neutral tone)···
I couldn’t speak Chinese before; now I can a little.
Common mistakes
Not quite以前吃饭我要洗手。
Correct吃饭以前我要洗手。
以前 follows the event it refers to, never precedes it: 吃饭以前, 上课以前, 八点以前. The same order applies to 以后.