Meanings of 先前
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Podcast: 先前
Podcast: 先前
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AI Study Notes for 先前
以前 (yǐqián) vs 之前 (zhīqián) — use 先前 for formal contexts, while 以前 is more casual and 之前 typically emphasizes the time relationship before a specific event.
Be mindful of the context in which you use 先前, as it tends to be more formal and is often found in written Chinese. Common collocations include 先前的经历 (previous experiences) and 先前的安排 (previous arrangements). Avoid confusing it with 之前 (zhīqián), which is less formal and more commonly used in spoken language.
As an HSK 6 word, 先前 is useful for discussing complex narratives or historical contexts. Students should focus on its usage in formal writing and practice constructing sentences that compare past and present events.
Learners often confuse 先前 with 之前, using them interchangeably in informal contexts. For example, saying '我先前去过商店' (I previously went to the store) in casual conversation may sound too formal; 之前 would be more appropriate.
Pronunciation of 先前
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Component Characters
How to say before in Chinese
“before” in Chinese is先前
先前 (xiānqián) refers to a time that is earlier than the current moment or a specified time. It is commonly used to describe past events or situations, particularly in formal contexts, indicating that something occurred before another action or event.
When to use 先前
Be mindful of the context in which you use 先前, as it tends to be more formal and is often found in written Chinese. Common collocations include 先前的经历 (previous experiences) and 先前的安排 (previous arrangements). Avoid confusing it with 之前 (zhīqián), which is less formal and more commonly used in spoken language.
先前 or something close to it
以前 (yǐqián) vs 之前 (zhīqián) — use 先前 for formal contexts, while 以前 is more casual and 之前 typically emphasizes the time relationship before a specific event.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 先前 with 之前, using them interchangeably in informal contexts. For example, saying '我先前去过商店' (I previously went to the store) in casual conversation may sound too formal; 之前 would be more appropriate.
Write 先前
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Practice writing 先前 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 先前
先前 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他把____检查过的那些口袋又查了一遍，毫无收获。
Uselessly, he checked the same pockets he'd checked before.
Example Sentences for 先前 (5)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 先前
You can say: '我先前在北京工作过' (I previously worked in Beijing).
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