HSK 1 · VERSION 2.0#10
Before a Specific Time with “yǐqián”
以前
How it works
以前 (yǐqián) means “before.” It is the opposite of 以后.
The pattern
Time / Action + 以前
Example sentences
八点以前你要到学校。
You need to arrive at school before eight o’clock.
吃饭以前请洗手。
Please wash your hands before eating.
来中国以前，我不会说汉语。
Before coming to China, I could not speak Chinese.
Usage note
In simple HSK1 use, it often follows time words or common actions.