About

The word 以前 is formed by combining the character 以, which in this context acts as a preposition setting a reference point, with 前, meaning "front" or "prior". Together, they create a compound where 以 establishes a basis in time or position, and 前 indicates something occurring earlier relative to that point, thus producing the meaning "before" or "in the past".

Example Sentences Hide

我以前住在北京。

Wǒ yǐqián zhù zài Běijīng.

I used to live in Beijing.

以前我经常去公园。

Yǐqián wǒ jīngcháng qù gōngyuán.

I used to often go to the park.

现在比以前忙多了。

Xiànzài bǐ yǐqián máng duō le.

Now I am much busier than before.

在认识你以前，我不喜欢唱歌。

Zài rènshi nǐ yǐqián, wǒ bù xǐhuān chànggē.

Before I met you, I didn't like singing.

如果你以前努力学习，现在就不会后悔了。

Rúguǒ nǐ yǐqián nǔlì xuéxí, xiànzài jiù bù huì hòuhuǐ le.

If you had studied hard before, you wouldn't regret it now.

Word Definition - 以前

yǐ qián before; formerly; ago

Individual Character Details

以 yǐ, yǐ, yǐ, yǐ
前 qián