zi1 cin4之前
Jyutpingzi1 cin4
Yalejī chìhn
Definition
Before, previously, or prior to a certain event.
- previously; in the past
- before; the time prior to an action or event
colloquialtime
How it's used
Use this to refer to any point in time prior to the present moment or a specific reference point. It is highly versatile and can function as a noun, an adverb, or a prepositional phrase depending on the sentence structure. Unlike formal written Chinese, it is the standard way to express 'before' in everyday speech.
Examples
Did you live here before?
I have eaten at this restaurant before, it's great.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean 'in front of' in a spatial sense, as that meaning is reserved for 前面. Learners sometimes mistakenly use it for physical location when it only denotes temporal sequence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
