si6 cin4事前
Jyutpingsi6 cin4
Yalesih chìhn
Definition
Beforehand; before an event occurs.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
Focuses on the planning or preparation stage prior to an occurrence. It often appears in contexts involving communication or decision making where a lack of foresight leads to trouble. Unlike the more formal or literary alternatives, it fits naturally into both professional discussions and casual complaints about poor planning.
Examples
We have already discussed all the details beforehand.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 之前, which is a general time marker meaning 'before' or 'previously'. Use 事前 specifically when referring to preparations or actions taken in anticipation of a specific event, rather than just a point in time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
