HSK 3 · VERSION 2.0#26
Before a Specific Time with “yǐqián”
以前
How it works
以前 after a specific time means “before that time.”
The pattern
Time + 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.
下课以前不要离开教室。
Do not leave the classroom before class ends.
Usage note
This use of 以前 refers to a specific point.