zhīqián: 之前 - Before, Previously, Ago

• Keywords: 之前, zhiqian, before in Chinese, ago in Chinese, previously Chinese, Chinese time words, Chinese grammar before, 以前 vs 之前, how to say before in Mandarin, sequencing events in Chinese
• Summary: Learn how to use “之前” (zhīqián), one of the most essential Chinese words for talking about the past. This guide explains how “之前” functions like “before,” “previously,” and “ago” in English. Discover its core meaning, see practical examples for everyday conversation, and finally understand the crucial difference between “之前” (zhīqián) and its close relative “以前” (yǐqián). This is a must-know term for sequencing events and mastering Chinese time expressions.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhīqián
• Part of Speech: Time Noun / Conjunction
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: It indicates a point in time or an event that occurred prior to another specific point in time or event.
• In a Nutshell: “之前” is your go-to word for saying “before” in Chinese, especially when you're referring to the time right before a specific, mentioned action or event. Think of it as a signpost on a timeline that points backward from a clear landmark. It answers the question, “When?” with “Before X happened.” It can also mean “ago” when you pair it with a duration of time.

• 之 (zhī): This is a classical grammatical particle that acts as a connector, similar to the possessive “'s” or the preposition “of” in English. In modern Chinese, it's often found in more formal or established words.
• 前 (qián): This character means “front,” “forward,” or “before.” It can refer to physical location (in front of) or time (before now).
• How they combine: Literally, you can think of `[Event] + 之前` as “[Event]'s before-time.” The `之` links the event to the concept of `前` (before), creating a single, cohesive idea: “before [the event]”.

While “之前” doesn't carry deep philosophical weight like `关系` (guānxì), its function reveals a core difference between Chinese and English grammar: the expression of time. In English, we heavily rely on verb tenses to place events in the past (e.g., “I walk” vs. “I walked”). Chinese verbs, however, do not change form. A Chinese speaker says “我昨天走” (wǒ zuótiān zǒu - I yesterday walk) and “我明天走” (wǒ míngtiān zǒu - I tomorrow walk). The verb “走” remains the same. This is where words like “之前” become culturally and linguistically critical. They are the primary tools for establishing a timeline. Instead of changing the verb, you add a time word to give context. Mastering “之前” and its counterpart `以后` (yǐhòu - after) is not just learning vocabulary; it's learning the fundamental Chinese way of thinking about and structuring sequences of events. It highlights a system that prioritizes context and explicit time markers over verb conjugation.

“之前” is an extremely common and versatile word used in all registers of speech, from casual conversation to formal announcements. 1. Before a Specific Event: `[Noun/Verb Phrase] + 之前` This is the most common structure. It establishes a clear point of reference.

• `开会之前，请大家把手机调成静音。` (Kāihuì zhīqián, qǐng dàjiā bǎ shǒujī tiáo chéng jìngyīn.) - Before the meeting starts, everyone please set your phones to silent.
• `睡觉之前，我喜欢看一会儿书。` (Shuìjiào zhīqián, wǒ xǐhuan kàn yīhuìr shū.) - Before sleeping, I like to read a book for a little while.

2. As “Ago”: `[Time Duration] + 之前` This structure is a direct equivalent of “ago” in English.

• `他三天之前就走了。` (Tā sān tiān zhīqián jiù zǒu le.) - He left three days ago.
• `我们一年之前见过面。` (Wǒmen yī nián zhīqián jiàn guò miàn.) - We met one year ago.

3. As a Standalone “Previously” or “Before” When the context is already clear, “之前” can stand on its own to mean “before now” or “previously.”

• `你之前来过这里吗？` (Nǐ zhīqián láiguò zhèlǐ ma?) - Have you been here before?
• `我之前是学生，现在工作了。` (Wǒ zhīqián shì xuéshēng, xiànzài gōngzuò le.) - I was a student previously, now I'm working.

• Example 1:
  • 来中国之前，我的中文不太好。
  • Pinyin: Lái Zhōngguó zhīqián, wǒ de Zhōngwén bù tài hǎo.
  • English: Before coming to China, my Chinese wasn't very good.
  • Analysis: This is a classic use of the `[Event] + 之前` structure to set up a “before and after” scenario.
• Example 2:
  • 晚饭之前，你必须做完作业。
  • Pinyin: Wǎnfàn zhīqián, nǐ bìxū zuò wán zuòyè.
  • English: Before dinner, you must finish your homework.
  • Analysis: Here, “之前” follows a noun (“dinner”) to set a clear deadline.
• Example 3:
  • 他是两周之前到达北京的。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì liǎng zhōu zhīqián dàodá Běijīng de.
  • English: He arrived in Beijing two weeks ago.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the `[Time Duration] + 之前` structure, meaning “ago”. The `是…的` (shì…de) construction is often used to emphasize the time of a past event.
• Example 4:
  • 我之前跟你说过了，我今天很忙。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhīqián gēn nǐ shuō guò le, wǒ jīntiān hěn máng.
  • English: I told you before, I'm very busy today.
  • Analysis: “之前” is used alone here to mean “previously” or “earlier.” The context (this conversation) is implied.
• Example 5:
  • 在做出决定之前，我们应该仔细考虑一下。
  • Pinyin: Zài zuòchū juédìng zhīqián, wǒmen yīnggāi zǐxì kǎolǜ yīxià.
  • English: Before making a decision, we should consider it carefully.
  • Analysis: The preposition `在` (zài) is often added before the verb phrase for emphasis, but the meaning remains the same.
• Example 6:
  • 这部电影我好像之前在哪里看过。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng wǒ hǎoxiàng zhīqián zài nǎlǐ kàn guò.
  • English: It seems like I've seen this movie somewhere before.
  • Analysis: A good example of “之前” used in a more vague, conversational sense of “at some point in the past.”
• Example 7:
  • 毕业之前，我想去欧洲旅行一次。
  • Pinyin: Bìyè zhīqián, wǒ xiǎng qù Ōuzhōu lǚxíng yī cì.
  • English: Before graduation, I want to travel to Europe once.
  • Analysis: “毕业” (graduation) is the specific event that sets the timeframe for the desired action.
• Example 8:
  • 几分钟之前他还在这里，怎么突然不见了？
  • Pinyin: Jǐ fēnzhōng zhīqián tā hái zài zhèlǐ, zěnme tūrán bùjiàn le?
  • English: He was still here just a few minutes ago, how did he suddenly disappear?
  • Analysis: Shows the use with a very short time duration, equivalent to “just… ago.”
• Example 9:
  • 和他合作之前，我对他了解不多。
  • Pinyin: Hé tā hézuò zhīqián, wǒ duì tā liǎojiě bù duō.
  • English: Before cooperating with him, I didn't know much about him.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates how `之前` can be used to frame a change in knowledge or relationship.
• Example 10:
  • 飞机起飞之前，空姐会讲解安全须知。
  • Pinyin: Fēijī qǐfēi zhīqián, kōngjiě huì jiǎngjiě ānquán xūzhī.
  • English: Before the plane takes off, the flight attendant will explain the safety instructions.
  • Analysis: A formal and practical example of `之前` used for procedural instructions.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 之前 (zhīqián) and 以前 (yǐqián). They both mean “before,” but have different focuses. Rule of Thumb:

• 之前 (zhīqián) is more specific. It's usually linked to a specific event or time mentioned in the same sentence. Think “before X”.
• 以前 (yǐqián) is more general. It often means “in the past,” “formerly,” or “before now,” without needing a specific event as a reference. Think “back in the day.”

Example of a Common Mistake:

• Correct: `会议开始之前，请安静。` (Huìyì kāishǐ zhīqián, qǐng ānjìng.)
  • *Meaning:* Before the meeting starts, please be quiet.
  • *Why:* “The meeting” is a specific, concrete event. `之前` is perfect here.
• Less Natural: `会议开始以前，请安静。` (Huìyì kāishǐ yǐqián, qǐng ānjìng.)
  • *Why:* While understandable, `以前` sounds a bit too general here. `之前` is more precise and common for instructions linked to an immediate event.

Example where 以前 is better:

• Correct: `我以前住在上海。` (Wǒ yǐqián zhù zài Shànghǎi.)
  • *Meaning:* I used to live in Shanghai.
  • *Why:* This refers to a general time in the past, “before now.” There is no other specific event in the sentence it connects to. `以前` is ideal.
• Incorrect/Unnatural: `我之前住在上海。` (Wǒ zhīqián zhù zài Shànghǎi.)
  • *Why:* Using `之前` here feels incomplete. A Chinese speaker might ask, “之前什么?” (Zhīqián shénme?) - “Before what?”. It begs for a reference point, like `来北京之前，我住在上海。` (Before coming to Beijing, I lived in Shanghai.)

Overlap: When used with a time duration to mean “ago” (e.g., 三天之前 vs. 三天以前), they are often interchangeable.

• 以前 (yǐqián) - A near synonym meaning “before” or “in the past,” but typically used more generally and less tied to a specific subsequent event.
• 以后 (yǐhòu) - The direct antonym of 之前, meaning “after” or “in the future.”
• 然后 (ránhòu) - A conjunction meaning “then” or “afterwards,” used to connect a sequence of actions (A, then B).
• 后来 (hòulái) - Means “afterwards” or “later,” but only for past events. You cannot use it for future plans.
• 当时 (dāngshí) - “At that time,” referring to a specific moment being discussed in the past.
• 过去 (guòqù) - “The past” as a noun, or “in the past.” (e.g., `在过去` - in the past).
• 从前 (cóngqián) - “Once upon a time,” “in the old days.” Carries a more nostalgic or story-like feeling than `以前`.
• 前面 (qiánmiàn) - “In front,” “ahead.” Primarily refers to physical space, not time. A common “false friend” for beginners who mix up location and time.