Dictionary🇨🇳 Chinese → 🇺🇸 English
之前
zhīqián
Description
“之前”的意思是某个时间以前，也可以表示做一件事以前。
"之前" means before a certain time, and can also indicate before doing something.
我们常常说“吃饭之前”或者“三天之前”。
We often say "吃饭之前" (before eating) or "三天之前" (three days ago).
Meanings
之前zhīqián
before (a time or event)
吃饭之前要洗手。
Wash your hands before eating.
之前zhīqián
earlier; previously; before now
我之前来过这里。
I have been here before.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
之 (classical possessive particle) + 前 (front/before), literally "the front of".
- Nuance
often placed after a time or event, similar to 以前 but slightly more formal.
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