noun / time word HSK 3
before · prior to · previously · ago
Meaning
之前 is a time word meaning 'before' or 'prior to' a certain point in time. It can refer to the period before now (previously) or before another specified time or event. It's one of the most common ways to express 'before' in Mandarin.
Usage
之前 typically comes after a time expression or event to mean 'before that time/event' (e.g., 三天之前 'three days ago', 开会之前 'before the meeting'). It can also stand alone to mean 'previously' or 'before (now)'. Native speakers use it in both spoken and written contexts across all registers.
Examples
- 01我来中国之前在美国工作。.Before I came to China, I worked in America.
- 02你应该在考试之前好好复习。.You should review well before the exam.
Characters
Common collocations
- 三天之前three days ago
- 很久之前a long time ago
- 出发之前before setting out
- 来中国之前before coming to China
Antonyms
Origin
之前 combines the classical Chinese particle 之 (meaning 'of') with 前 ('front/before'), literally meaning 'of before' or 'the time before'. This classical construction is commonly used in modern Mandarin.