Meaning
以前 is a time word meaning 'before' or 'in the past.' It refers to any time before the present moment or before a specified reference point. It can be used alone to mean 'in the past' or followed by another time expression to mean 'before that time.'
Usage
Native speakers use 以前 very frequently in everyday conversation to talk about past experiences or states. It can stand alone at the beginning or end of a sentence, or can be placed before or after a time expression. When used after a time phrase (like '三年以前'), it means 'before that time.' When used after a clause or verb phrase, it means 'before doing that action.'
Examples
- 01我以前不喜欢吃辣的，但是现在很喜欢。, .I didn't like spicy food before, but now I really like it.
- 02她来北京以前在上海工作。.Before coming to Beijing, she worked in Shanghai.
Characters
Common collocations
- 很久以前a long time ago
- 三年以前three years ago
- 以前没有didn't have before
- 来中国以前before coming to China
Antonyms
Origin
以 originally meant 'to use' or 'by means of,' while 前 means 'front' or 'before.' Together they create a compound meaning 'by means of what is in front' or simply 'before/previously.'