先前
xiān qián HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他先前的工作经验很有用。
Tā xiānqián de gōngzuò jīngyàn hěn yǒuyòng.
His previous work experience is very useful.
我先前不知道这个消息。
Wǒ xiānqián bù zhīdào zhège xiāoxi.
I didn't know this news before.
先前的计划需要修改。
Xiānqián de jìhuà xūyào xiūgǎi.
The previous plan needs to be revised.
他先前很忙。
Tā xiānqián hěn máng.
He was busy before.
我先前不知道。
Wǒ xiānqián bù zhīdào.
I didn't know earlier.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: '先' means 'first' or 'earlier,' and '前' means 'front' or 'before.' Think of it as 'earlier-front' to remember it refers to something that came before in time.

📝 Usage Notes

It is commonly used in both written and spoken Chinese, with a slightly formal tone. It often appears in narratives, reports, or discussions to refer to past situations, such as in historical accounts, previous meetings, or earlier stages of a process.

📖 Grammar Points

It typically modifies verbs or entire clauses to indicate prior action, e.g., '先前我们讨论过这个问题' (We discussed this issue previously). It can also be used in contrast with '现在' (now) or '后来' (later) to highlight changes over time.

🏯 Cultural Notes

This term often carries a subtle nuance of referring to a past state or circumstance that has since changed, contrasting the 'then' with the 'now'.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to '以前' (yǐqián, meaning 'before' in a general sense) and '之前' (zhīqián, meaning 'before' often used with time markers). 先前 is more specific to events or states that directly precede the current context, while '以前' is broader for any past time, and '之前' is often used in time phrases (e.g., '三天之前').

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