cin4 jat1前一
Jyutpingcin4 jat1
Yalechìhn yāt
Definition
The previous one; the one before; preceding.
colloquialtimeplaces
How it's used
前一 functions as a determiner to specify the immediate predecessor in a sequence of time or space. It is frequently used with time markers like 日 or 晚, or with classifiers to denote the item directly preceding the current one. Unlike the more formal 前者, this construction is highly productive in everyday speech for navigation and scheduling.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 之前, but 前一 must be followed by a noun or a measure word phrase to function correctly. You cannot simply say 佢前一, as it requires a specific reference point like 前一站 or 前一日.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
