Before a specific time with "yiqian"

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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

Verb+ 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 attended college, I couldn't write a dissertation.
  • 三点 以前,我 在 咖啡店。Before three o'clock, I'm in the coffee shop.
  • 睡觉 以前,你 不 能 吃 糖。Before going to sleep, you can't eat sugar.
  • 结婚 以前,我 很 自由。Before I was married, I was free.
  • 十点 以前,我 必须 到 机场。I arrive at the airport before ten o'clock.
  • 开会 以前 ,我 需要 准备 所有 的 材料。Before the meeting I need to prepare all the material.
  • 三 年 以前,我 来到 了 上海。Three years ago I came to Shanghai.
  • 吃饭 以前,你 应该 洗 手。Before eating, you should wash your hands.
  • 一 个 月 以前,我 认识 了 我 的 老婆。A month ago I met my wife.
  • 生 孩子 以前,你 应该 先 结婚。Before having kids, you should first get married.

See also

Sources and further reading