01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
出门以前，我会检查窗户。
Before leaving home, I check the windows.
出门 is the event that follows the checking.
请在周五以前把表格发给我。
Please send me the form before Friday.
在周五以前 sets the deadline for sending it.
睡觉以前，她喜欢听一会儿音乐。
She likes listening to music for a little while before bed.
The event phrase comes first even when it describes a regular habit.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
Put 以前 after an event or time to make a phrase meaning before that event or time. 出门以前 means before leaving home, while 周五以前 means before Friday. The time phrase can introduce the sentence or come after the subject, before the main action.
When you are naming the event that must happen later, keep that event before 以前. Used by itself, 以前 can instead mean formerly or in the past. Distinguishing these two positions helps you avoid changing a specific sequence into a general statement about earlier times.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid请以前周五交表格。
Use请在周五以前交表格。
For a deadline, name the reference time before 以前: 在周五以前. Do not reverse 周五 and 以前.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 检查 | jiǎnchá | check; inspect |
| 窗户 | chuānghu | window |
| 表格 | biǎogé | form |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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The TSV contains Chinese words, pinyin and meanings. Import instructions are below.
Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
