You'll often encounter 先前 when talking about something that happened or existed at an earlier point in time. Think of it as a more formal way of saying 'before' or 'previously'.
For instance, if you want to say 'I saw him earlier,' you could use 先前 to add a touch of formality. It's a useful adverb to show that something occurred in the past, often in contrast to the present.
While similar to other words meaning 'before,' 先前 often implies a comparison with the current situation or a specific past event you're about to discuss.
When using “先前” as an adverb, it means ‘before’ or ‘previously’. It’s used to talk about something that happened at an earlier time. It often implies a contrast with the present, or a change from how things were. It’s a good word to use when you want to clarify that something has changed or to refer to a past event in a straightforward way.
先前 30 सेकंड में
- Use '先前' to mean 'before' or 'previously'.
- It's an adverb, so it modifies verbs or clauses.
- Often interchangeable with '以前' but can sometimes feel slightly more formal.
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- confusing with 'xiānqiān' (先签 - to sign first)
- incorrect tones
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Can modify verbs directly, similar to 'before' in English. It often implies a point in time before the current moment or a past event.
我先前没去过北京。 (Wǒ xiānqián méi qùguò Běijīng.) I hadn't been to Beijing before.
Can be used at the beginning of a clause to introduce background information about a previous action or state.
先前他很忙，现在好多了。(Xiānqián tā hěn máng, xiànzài hǎo duō le.) Previously he was very busy, now he is much better.
Often used with '说' (shuō, to say) or '提' (tí, to mention) to refer to something that was said or mentioned earlier.
你先前说的那个计划是什么？ (Nǐ xiānqián shuō de nàgè jìhuà shì shénme?) What was that plan you mentioned earlier?
Can be used with '的' (de) to form an attributive phrase, meaning 'previous' or 'former'.
我看了先前的文件。(Wǒ kàn le xiānqián de wénjiàn.) I read the previous document.
It can sometimes be interchangeable with '以前' (yǐqián), but '先前' often emphasizes a specific, more recent point in the past.
先前他在这儿工作过。(Xiānqián tā zài zhè'er gōngzuò guò.) He worked here previously. (Implies a more specific past instance than '以前')
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
我先前没有意识到这个问题的重要性。
I previously didn't realize the importance of this issue.
他先前说他会来，但现在改变主意了。
He previously said he would come, but now he's changed his mind.
这部电影的续集没有先前的那部好。
The sequel to this movie is not as good as the previous one.
我们先前讨论过的计划还需要进一步完善。
The plan we previously discussed still needs further improvement.
你先前是不是来过这里？我觉得有点眼熟。
Have you been here before? I feel like it's a bit familiar.
她先前有过类似的经历，所以知道如何处理。
She previously had similar experiences, so she knows how to handle it.
虽然先前遇到了一些困难，但我们最终还是成功了。
Although we encountered some difficulties previously, we ultimately succeeded.
我先前以为那是一件小事，没想到会发展成这样。
I previously thought it was a small matter, but I didn't expect it to develop like this.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
他 先前 是 个 老师。(Tā xiānqián shì ge lǎoshī.)
He was a teacher before (previously).
我们 先前 见过 面。(Wǒmen xiānqián jiànguo miàn.)
We met before (previously).
她 先前 住 在 上海。(Tā xiānqián zhù zài Shànghǎi.)
She lived in Shanghai before (previously).
你 先前 怎么 不说？(Nǐ xiānqián zěnme bù shuō?)
Why didn't you say it before (previously)?
这 和 先前 的 不一样。(Zhè hé xiānqián de bù yīyàng.)
This is different from what was before (previously).
我 先前 以为…(Wǒ xiānqián yǐwéi…)
I previously thought...
他 先前 答应过 我。(Tā xiānqián dāyìngguo wǒ.)
He promised me before (previously).
我们 先前 有 过 争论。(Wǒmen xiānqián yǒu guò zhēnglùn.)
We had an argument before (previously).
请 参考 先前 的 邮件。(Qǐng cānkǎo xiānqián de yóujiàn.)
Please refer to the previous email.
他 和 先前 判若两人。(Tā hé xiānqián pànruòliǎngrén.)
He is a completely different person from before (previously).
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
Both 先前 and previously refer to something that happened before the current moment. However, previously is a broader term, whereas 先前 often implies a more specific, recent, or relevant 'earlier point'.
Both can mean 'before'. However, 'before' can also be a preposition (e.g., 'before the meeting'), while 先前 is primarily an adverb.
Both mean 'earlier'. 'Earlier' can be used more broadly, e.g., 'earlier today'. 先前 focuses on an earlier point in time, often relative to a specific event or the present.
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Both means 'before' or 'in the past'. However, 以前 emphasizes a general past time or a period of time before now.
先前 refers to an earlier point in time relative to the present or a specific event, often implying a relatively recent past. 以前 is more general and can refer to any time in the past.
我以前住在北京。(Wǒ yǐqián zhù zài Běijīng.) - I used to live in Beijing. (General past)
Both mean 'before'. 之前 can also refer to an earlier time.
先前 is an adverb, while 之前 is often used as a noun indicating 'before a certain time or event'. 之前 often requires an object to specify what it's before.
会议之前。(Huìyì zhīqián.) - Before the meeting. (之前 with an object)
Both refer to 'in the past'.
从前 specifically refers to the distant past, often used in storytelling or when talking about things that happened a long, long time ago. 先前 is for a more recent or relatively recent past.
从前有一个国王。(Cóngqián yǒu yīgè guówáng.) - Once upon a time there was a king. (Distant past, storytelling)
Both imply 'earlier'.
早先 is very similar to 先前, but can sometimes imply a slightly more distant or indefinite 'earlier time'. The distinction is subtle and often interchangeable.
早先我就告诉过你。(Zǎoxiān wǒ jiù gàosù guò nǐ.) - I had told you earlier. (Similar to 先前)
Both can indicate something happened a short time ago.
刚 emphasizes that something just happened, very recently, almost immediately before now. 先前 refers to an earlier time, but not necessarily 'just now'.
我刚吃完饭。(Wǒ gāng chī wán fàn.) - I just finished eating. (Emphasizes immediacy)
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Use 先前 (xiānqián) to refer to a time before the present moment, or before a specific past event you are discussing. It's similar to 'before' or 'previously' in English. It often modifies verbs or whole clauses.
Example 1: 我先前没见过他。
Translation: I hadn't seen him before.
Example 2: 先前我们住在这里。
Translation: Previously, we lived here.
Example 3: 他先前说过他会来。
Translation: He had said earlier that he would come.
A common mistake is confusing 先前 (xiānqián) with 以前 (yǐqián). While both mean 'before' or 'previously', 先前 often refers to a more recent or specific past, or a past that is directly contrasted with the present situation. 以前 can refer to any time in the past, including a more distant past. Another mistake is using 先前 as a standalone noun for 'the past'. It's primarily an adverb. If you want to say 'the past' as a noun, use 过去 (guòqù). Incorrect: 那个是我的先前。 Correct: 那个是我的过去。 Translation: That was my past.
सुझाव
Placement is key
Like many adverbs, 先前 (xiānqián) usually comes before the verb it modifies, or before the subject to set the scene.
Think 'earlier'
A good mental translation for 先前 is 'earlier' or 'some time ago'. It refers to a point in time before the current moment or before another specified event.
Use with context
While it means 'before', 先前 often implies 'before now' or 'before that specific time we are talking about'. The context is important.
Similar to '以前'
先前 (xiānqián) is quite similar to 以前 (yǐqián). Often, they can be used interchangeably, but 先前 can sometimes sound a little more formal or literary.
Example: What you did
Imagine talking about something you did: 我先前去过那个地方。 (Wǒ xiānqián qùguò nàge dìfāng.) = I previously went to that place.
Example: State of being
You can use it to describe a past state: 她先前是老师。 (Tā xiānqián shì lǎoshī.) = She used to be a teacher.
Not for 'before an action'
Do not use 先前 to mean 'before doing X'. For example, if you want to say 'Wash your hands before eating', you would use 之前 (zhīqián) or 以前 (yǐqián), not 先前.
Not a conjunction
先前 is an adverb, not a conjunction. It cannot connect two clauses like 'before I went home...' In those cases, you'd use things like ...之前 (...zhīqián).
Common usage
You'll often hear 先前 in phrases like 先前说过 (xiānqián shuōguò) = mentioned before, or 先前发生的事 (xiānqián fāshēng de shì) = things that happened earlier.
Practice with sentences
The best way to get comfortable is to use it. Try writing a few sentences about things you did or knew earlier today or last week.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
Think of it like 'first-hand' information. You heard it 'first hand' or 'before' others. '先' (xiān) means first, and '前' (qián) means front or before. So, 'first before' or 'earlier time.'
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a timeline. '先前' is a point on that timeline that comes *before* the current moment, like looking back down the timeline. Picture an arrow pointing backward.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Try to say what you did 'earlier today' or 'before' a specific event. For example, '我先前在图书馆学习.' (Wǒ xiānqián zài túshūguǎn xuéxí.) - 'I was studying in the library earlier.' Or '她先前告诉我这件事.' (Tā xiānqián gàosù wǒ zhè jiàn shì.) - 'She told me about this matter previously.'
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Talking about past events or experiences.
- 我先前去过中国。
- 她先前学过法语。
- 我们先前见过面。
Comparing a current situation with a past one.
- 他现在比先前更忙了。
- 这家餐厅现在没有先前那么好了。
- 天气比先前冷了。
Indicating something that happened before a specific point in time.
- 我先前给他打过电话。
- 会议先前已经取消了。
- 我先前就告诉过你了。
Describing a previous state or condition.
- 他先前很瘦，现在胖了。
- 这房子先前很旧，现在装修过了。
- 她先前很喜欢猫，现在喜欢狗了。
Referring to something that happened earlier in a sequence of events.
- 我先前吃过饭了，所以现在不饿。
- 他先前已经离开了。
- 我先前已经把作业做完了。
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"你先前有没有去过这个地方？ (Have you been to this place before?)"
"你觉得现在和先前有什么不同？ (What do you think is different now compared to before?)"
"你先前是怎么做的？ (How did you do it before?)"
"你先前对这个有什么了解吗？ (Did you know anything about this previously?)"
"你先前最喜欢什么？ (What did you like the most before?)"
डायरी विषय
回顾你先前的一个重要决定，并思考如果你有机会重做，你会怎么做。 (Reflect on a significant decision you made previously, and consider what you would do differently if you had the chance to redo it.)
描述一个你先前经历过的挑战，以及你是如何克服它的。 (Describe a challenge you faced previously and how you overcame it.)
思考你先前的一个习惯，现在这个习惯还在吗？它有什么变化？ (Think about a habit you had previously. Do you still have it? How has it changed?)
写下你先前的一个梦想或目标，现在实现了吗？如果没有，原因是什么？ (Write about a dream or goal you had previously. Has it been realized? If not, what's the reason?)
比较你先前对某个事物的看法和现在的看法，是什么导致了这种变化？ (Compare your previous opinion on something with your current one. What caused this change?)
खुद को परखो 54 सवाल
Write a short sentence about something you did previously, using '先前'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我先前去过中国。 (I previously went to China.)
Use '先前' to describe something that happened before now.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先前，他是一个学生。 (Previously, he was a student.)
Form a simple sentence saying where you were previously, using '先前'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我先前在北京。 (I was previously in Beijing.)
他先前有什么？ (What did he have previously?)
Read this passage:
我先前没有手机。现在我有手机了。我的手机很好。
他先前有什么？ (What did he have previously?)
Passage says '我先前没有手机' which means 'I previously did not have a cell phone.'
Passage says '我先前没有手机' which means 'I previously did not have a cell phone.'
她先前喜欢吃什么？ (What did she like to eat previously?)
Read this passage:
她先前很喜欢吃苹果。现在她喜欢吃香蕉。
她先前喜欢吃什么？ (What did she like to eat previously?)
Passage states '她先前很喜欢吃苹果' meaning 'She previously liked to eat apples.'
Passage states '她先前很喜欢吃苹果' meaning 'She previously liked to eat apples.'
他先前知道她的名字吗？ (Did he know her name previously?)
Read this passage:
我先前不知道他的名字。现在我知道了。
他先前知道她的名字吗？ (Did he know her name previously?)
The sentence '我先前不知道他的名字' means 'I previously did not know his name.'
The sentence '我先前不知道他的名字' means 'I previously did not know his name.'
她___去过北京，所以她知道很多好玩的地方。
The sentence indicates past experience. '先前' means previously, which fits the context of knowing good places because she's been there before. '以后' means later, '现在' means now, and '经常' means often, none of which fit the context as well.
我们___见过面，但是我不记得在哪里了。
The sentence implies a past encounter. '先前' means before or previously, which makes sense in the context of having met but not remembering where. '马上' means immediately, '总是' means always, and '最后' means finally, none of which fit the context of a forgotten past meeting.
他___说过他不喜欢吃辣，现在怎么变了？
The sentence talks about a past statement that contradicts a present situation. '先前' means previously, which correctly refers to what he said in the past. '明天' means tomorrow, '最近' means recently, and '偶尔' means occasionally, none of which express the idea of a past contradiction.
“先前”可以用来指将来发生的事情。
“先前” refers to a time in the past, not the future.
你可以说“我先前很忙，现在不忙了。”
This sentence correctly uses “先前” to indicate being busy in the past, contrasting with the present state of not being busy.
如果我想说“今天早上”，我可以说“先前早上”。
“先前” refers to an earlier, more general past. For 'this morning', you'd typically use '今天早上' or '今早', not '先前早上'.
I haven't been to Beijing before.
Where did you live previously?
He used to like eating noodles very much.
Read this aloud:
我先前没有手机。
Focus: xiān qián
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我们先前是朋友。
Focus: xiān qián
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
先前她工作很忙。
Focus: xiān qián
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence uses '先前' to indicate that he told me previously. The adverb '先前' usually comes after the subject and before the verb.
'先前' means 'before' or 'previously'. In this sentence, it modifies the verb '没见过' (haven't seen).
Here, '先前' indicates that the discussion about this problem happened at an earlier time. It comes after the subject and before the verb phrase.
Choose the sentence where '先前' is used correctly.
'先前' refers to a past action or state. Options B, C, and D describe future or ongoing actions, which do not fit the meaning of '先前'.
Which word can replace '先前' in the sentence '她先前是个学生' without changing its meaning?
'过去' (guòqù) also means 'in the past' or 'previously', making it a suitable synonym for '先前' in this context. '现在' means 'now', '以后' means 'later', and '马上' means 'immediately'.
Which of the following sentences best uses '先前' to indicate a change from a past state to a present one?
This sentence clearly shows a change in location from a past state ('先前住在上海') to a present state ('现在住在北京'). The other options do not emphasize a clear contrast or change in the same way.
'先前' can be used to talk about something that will happen in the future.
'先前' specifically refers to a time in the past, not the future. Words like '以后' or '将来' are used for future events.
In the sentence '我先前看过这部电影', '先前' means 'I have watched this movie before'.
Yes, '先前' correctly indicates that the action of watching the movie occurred at an earlier point in time, i.e., 'before'.
It is incorrect to use '先前' at the beginning of a sentence.
'先前' can indeed be placed at the beginning of a sentence, for example: '先前他很瘦，现在胖了。' (Previously he was thin, now he is fat.)
This sentence talks about realizing a problem's importance.
This sentence mentions studying in China.
This sentence discusses a previous consensus and a change in situation.
Read this aloud:
你先前住在哪儿？
Focus: xiān qián
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他先前对这个计划很反对。
Focus: xiān qián duì
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
先前你为什么不告诉我？
Focus: wèi shén me bù
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
He worked in China for three years previously.
I hadn't heard this story before.
The previously scheduled meeting was canceled.
Read this aloud:
你可以告诉我你先前学习中文的经历吗？
Focus: 先前 (xiānqián)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
先前他来过我家，但现在他搬走了。
Focus: 搬走了 (bān zǒu le)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
先前以为会下雨，结果天晴了。
Focus: 天晴了 (tiān qíng le)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are writing a short diary entry reflecting on a past event. Use '先前' at least once to describe something that happened before a turning point. (around 100 characters)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今天回想起我大学毕业时的情景。先前我非常迷茫，不知道未来会怎样，但后来一次偶然的旅行改变了我的想法。
You are describing a historical shift to a friend. Use '先前' to contrast a past situation with the current one. (around 100 characters)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
中国经济发展真是太快了。先前这里还是一片农田，现在已经高楼林立，完全变了模样。
Describe a personal project or goal you had. Use '先前' to mention a challenge or setback you faced early on. (around 100 characters)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的健身计划一开始并不顺利。先前我总是找不到合适的锻炼方法，经常半途而废，但后来我坚持下来了。
根据这段文字，导演在电影制作过程中先前遇到了什么困难？
Read this passage:
这部电影的口碑现在很好，票房也一路飙升。导演在接受采访时提到，先前他为这部电影的投资问题跑遍了所有制作公司，甚至一度想放弃。好在最终遇到了贵人相助，才得以将电影完成。
根据这段文字，导演在电影制作过程中先前遇到了什么困难？
文章中明确提到“先前他为这部电影的投资问题跑遍了所有制作公司”。
文章中明确提到“先前他为这部电影的投资问题跑遍了所有制作公司”。
“先前”员工对公司的看法是怎样的？
Read this passage:
公司的这项新政策受到了员工的广泛欢迎。先前，员工们普遍认为公司对福利方面的投入不足，但新政策出台后，这些抱怨声就少了很多，大家对公司的满意度也提升了不少。
“先前”员工对公司的看法是怎样的？
文章中写道：“先前，员工们普遍认为公司对福利方面的投入不足。”
文章中写道：“先前，员工们普遍认为公司对福利方面的投入不足。”
根据这段文字，这个城市“先前”的状况是怎样的？
Read this passage:
这个城市的变化令人惊叹。先前这里还是一片偏僻的渔村，如今已发展成为国际大都市。高楼大厦鳞次栉比，交通网络四通八达，吸引了世界各地的游客和投资者。
根据这段文字，这个城市“先前”的状况是怎样的？
文章中提到：“先前这里还是一片偏僻的渔村”。
文章中提到：“先前这里还是一片偏僻的渔村”。
她____就告诉过你这个问题很复杂，你为什么不听？ (She told you earlier that this problem was very complex, why didn't you listen?)
Context indicates an action that happened 'before' now.
我们____从未见过面，但听过彼此的名声。 (We had never met before, but had heard of each other's reputations.)
The sentence implies a past situation where they had not met, making 'previously' the correct choice.
这份报告和____提交的版本有很大不同。 (This report is very different from the version submitted previously.)
The phrase 'previously submitted version' requires '先前'.
他____是一位著名的科学家，现在退居幕后了。 (He was previously a famous scientist, now he's retired behind the scenes.)
The sentence describes a past status ('was a famous scientist') that has changed, so 'previously' fits best.
尽管____有些误解，但现在我们已经完全解决了。 (Although there were some misunderstandings previously, we have now completely resolved them.)
The conjunction '尽管' (although) and the contrast with '现在' (now) indicate a past situation, making '先前' appropriate.
你____不是这么说的，怎么现在又变卦了？ (You didn't say that previously, how come you've changed your mind now?)
The sentence expresses a contradiction between a past statement and a current one, requiring 'previously'.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '先前' to clearly express 'before' or 'previously' when talking about past events or situations.
- Use '先前' to mean 'before' or 'previously'.
- It's an adverb, so it modifies verbs or clauses.
- Often interchangeable with '以前' but can sometimes feel slightly more formal.
Placement is key
Like many adverbs, 先前 (xiānqián) usually comes before the verb it modifies, or before the subject to set the scene.
Think 'earlier'
A good mental translation for 先前 is 'earlier' or 'some time ago'. It refers to a point in time before the current moment or before another specified event.
Use with context
While it means 'before', 先前 often implies 'before now' or 'before that specific time we are talking about'. The context is important.
Similar to '以前'
先前 (xiānqián) is quite similar to 以前 (yǐqián). Often, they can be used interchangeably, but 先前 can sometimes sound a little more formal or literary.
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
work के और शब्द
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
