Mandarin TempleMandarin TempleCome for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
跟前 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
跟前gēnqiánin front ofHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánclose toHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánnearbyHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánthe time just beforeHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánliving with sbHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánthe front (of)HSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqián(of children, parents etc) at one's sideHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqián(in) frontHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánliving with oneHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqián(in) sb's presenceHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánjust before (a date)HSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianin front ofHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianclose toHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiannearbyHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianthe time just beforeHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianliving with sbHSK 6, f, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianthe front (of)HSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqian(of children, parents etc) at one's sideHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqian(in) frontHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianliving with oneHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqian(in) sb's presenceHSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianjust before (a date)HSK 6, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #13883, Hard
gēnqián(gen1qian2)gen qian
primary
 T1
  1. 1in front of
  2. 2close to
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

跟前gēnqián(gen1qian2)

跟前 refers to a position that is physically close to someone or something, often indicating proximity or presence. It can also denote a time just before a significant event, such as an upcoming date or occasion. This word is commonly used in both physical and temporal contexts.

Strokes22Frequency#13883DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being physically close to family or friends is often valued, as it signifies emotional connection and support. The concept of proximity in relationships is emphasized in many social contexts, such as family gatherings.

Memory Tip

Imagine standing right next to your friend, where you can see their face clearly—this is your 跟前. The character 跟 (gēn) resembles a person walking beside another, emphasizing closeness, while 前 (qián) means 'front' or 'before,' reinforcing the idea of being near the front or close by.

Meanings of 跟前

gēnqián(gen1qian2)
primary
1in front of
2close to
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 跟前 means.

About 跟前

跟前Simplified
22Strokes
—Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#13883Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 跟前

JasonAmy

Podcast: 跟前

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 跟前

Quick Contrast

临近 (línjìn) - use 跟前 when emphasizing physical closeness or presence, while 临近 is more about nearness in time or space without the personal aspect.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 跟前 with just 跟 (gēn), which means 'to follow.' Use 跟前 in contexts where proximity is emphasized. Common collocations include '跟前的时间' (the time just before) and '跟前的亲人' (close relatives).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 跟前 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to location and time. Students should focus on practicing its usage in sentences to express proximity and time-related concepts effectively.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 跟前 with 跟 (gēn) and use it incorrectly in sentences. For example, saying '我跟他' (I follow him) instead of '我在他跟前' (I am in front of him) misses the nuance of proximity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 跟前

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 跟前 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 跟前 to You

Let me explain 跟前 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 跟前 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 跟前?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 跟前 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

跟gēnheel
HSK 213 strokes足
View full entry
前qiánfront
HSK 19 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say in front of in Chinese

“in front of” in Chinese is跟前gēnqián

跟前 refers to a position that is physically close to someone or something, often indicating proximity or presence. It can also denote a time just before a significant event, such as an upcoming date or occasion. This word is commonly used in both physical and temporal contexts.

When to use 跟前

Be cautious not to confuse 跟前 with just 跟 (gēn), which means 'to follow.' Use 跟前 in contexts where proximity is emphasized. Common collocations include '跟前的时间' (the time just before) and '跟前的亲人' (close relatives).

跟前 or something close to it

临近 (línjìn) - use 跟前 when emphasizing physical closeness or presence, while 临近 is more about nearness in time or space without the personal aspect.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 跟前 with 跟 (gēn) and use it incorrectly in sentences. For example, saying '我跟他' (I follow him) instead of '我在他跟前' (I am in front of him) misses the nuance of proximity.

Write 跟前

跟
前

Practice writing 跟前 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 跟前

跟前 carries 11 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

吉尔站起身，走到书架____，取下一本书。

Gil rose and went to his bookcase and took down a volume.

Example Sentences for 跟前 (5)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
吉尔站起身，走到书架跟前，取下一本书。

jí ěr zhàn qǐ shēn， ， zǒu dào shū jià gēn， qián ， qǔ xià yī。

Gil rose and went to his bookcase and took down a volume.
2
他母亲把他叫到跟前训斥了一番，又哭哭啼啼地向上帝祷告。

tā mǔ qīn bǎ tā jiào dào gēn qián xùn chì le yī fān， ， yòu kū kū tí tí dì xiàng shàng dì dǎo。

His mother summoned him, upbraided him, wept and prayed.
3
他站了一会儿，踮着脚跟前后摇晃。

tā zhàn le yī huì ér， ， diǎn zháo jiǎo gēn qián hòu yáo。

He stood a few moments, rocking back and forwards on his heels.
4
他拖着脚走到房间那头的窗户跟前。

tā tuō zháo jiǎo zǒu dào fáng jiān nà tóu de chuāng hù gēn qián。

He shuffled across the room to the window.
5
他把那封信推到我跟前让我看签名.

tā bǎ nà fēng xìn tuī dào wǒ gēn qián ràng wǒ kàn qiān míng.

He pushed the letter at me so that I could read the signature.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 跟前?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 跟前

Yes, 跟前 can refer to being physically close to someone as well as a time just before an event.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 跟前?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab