ji5 cin4以前
Jyutpingji5 cin4
Yaleyíh chìhn
Definition
Previously; before; at an earlier time.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Focuses on a contrast between a past state and the current reality. It often implies that the situation has changed or is no longer true, making it a natural way to introduce personal anecdotes or historical comparisons.
Examples
I used to live here.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean 'ago' in the sense of a specific duration like 'three years ago', which requires 前 instead. For example, use 三年前 instead of 三年以前.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
