以前 vs 以后(yǐqián vs yǐhòu)
Before vs After / In the Past vs Future
Structure Pattern
Explanation
以前 (yǐqián) and 以后 (yǐhòu) indicate time relationships. They can be used alone to mean "in the past" or "in the future," or they can follow a specific time or event to mean "before [event]" or "after [event]."
1. Used Alone (At the start of a sentence)
- 以前: In the past, previously. (以前，我不喜欢吃辣。 - In the past, I didn't like spicy food.)
- 以后: In the future, from now on. (以后，我要多运动。 - In the future, I will exercise more.)
2. Following a Time/Event (X 以前 / X 以后)
Notice that the order is the reverse of English. The time/event comes first.
- [Event] + 以前: Before [Event]. (吃饭以前 - Before eating)
- [Time] + 以后: After [Time]. (三年以后 - After three years)
Example Sentences
touch_appTap the Chinese text to analyze words, or tap the translation to reveal it.
Yǐqián tā zài zhèr gōngzuò.
He used to work here in the past.
Shuìjiào yǐqián, wǒ xǐhuān kàn shū.
Before going to sleep, I like to read.
Xiàkè yǐhòu, wǒmen qù tī zúqiú.
After class, we are going to play football.
Liǎng tiān yǐhòu jiàn.
See you in two days (after two days).
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
以前吃饭，我洗手。
Correct Usage
吃饭以前，我洗手。
When meaning "before [event]", the 以前 must come AFTER the event, unlike in English where "before" comes first.
Master 以前 vs 以后
Practice this grammar point with our interactive spaced-repetition system and AI voice tutor. Sign up for free and accelerate your Chinese learning.