Difference between revisions of "Before a specific time with "yiqian""
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| − | As well as talking about the [["Before" in general|past in general]], you can use 以前 (yǐqián) to talk about things that happened before a ''specific'' time. | + | As well as talking about the [["Before" in general|past in general]], you can use 以前 (yǐqián) to talk about things that happened before a ''specific'' time. |
== Structure == | == Structure == | ||
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| − | The time can be a specific time, or an action. | + | The time can be a specific time, or an action (technically, "''when'' the action was done"). |
== Examples == | == Examples == | ||
Revision as of 01:43, 4 June 2013
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Keywords
As well as talking about the past in general, you can use 以前 (yǐqián) to talk about things that happened before a specific time.
Structure
Time + 以前， Subject + Verb + Object
The time can be a specific time, or an action (technically, "when the action was done").
Examples
- 上 大学 以前，我 不 会 写 论文。Before I was in college, I couldn't write a dissertation.
- 三点 以前，我 在 咖啡店。Before three o'clock, I'm in the coffeeshop.
- 睡觉 以前，你 不 能 吃 糖。Before I go to sleep, I can't have eat sugar.
- 结婚 以前，我 很 自由。Before I was married, I was free.
See also
Sources and further reading
- Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 260-1) →buy
- Boya Chinese Elementary Starter 2 (博雅汉语初经起步篇) (pp. 11-12) →buy
