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以往 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
以往yǐwǎngin the pastHSK 6, t, rank #5494, Hard
以往yǐwǎngformerlyHSK 6, t, rank #5494, Hard
yǐwǎng(yi3wang3) T3
  1. 1in the past
  2. 2formerly
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March 24, 2026
以往yǐwǎng(yi3wang3)

The term 以往 (yǐwǎng) refers to a time period that is in the past or previously. It is commonly used to contrast past situations with the present, often highlighting changes or developments over time.

Frequency#5494DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of reflecting on the past is significant in Chinese culture, often seen in literature and philosophy. The phrase 以往 can be related to the traditional value of learning from past experiences to improve future decisions.

Memory Tip

Think of 以 (yǐ) as 'using' and 往 (wǎng) as 'going'. Imagine you are 'going back' to a past time you 'used to have' experiences in. Visualize walking down memory lane, where everything is from 'former times'.

Meanings of 以往

yǐwǎng(yi3wang3)
1in the past
2formerly
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 以往

以往Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#5494Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 以往

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Podcast: 以往

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AI Study Notes for 以往

Quick Contrast

过去 (guòqù) - use 以往 when emphasizing a historical context or changes over time, whereas 过去 focuses more on the time frame itself.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 以 (yǐ) as 'using' and 往 (wǎng) as 'going'. Imagine you are 'going back' to a past time you 'used to have' experiences in. Visualize walking down memory lane, where everything is from 'former times'.

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using 以往 in formal contexts, as it may sound too literary for everyday conversation. Common collocations include 以往的经历 (yǐwǎng de jīnglì - past experiences) and 以往的习惯 (yǐwǎng de xíguàn - former habits). Remember that it does not imply a specific time frame but rather a general past.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 以往 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to time and change. Focus on using it in sentences that compare past and present, helping to deepen understanding of temporal expressions.

Cultural Note

The concept of reflecting on the past is significant in Chinese culture, often seen in literature and philosophy. The phrase 以往 can be related to the traditional value of learning from past experiences to improve future decisions.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 以往 with 以前 (yǐqián), which also means 'in the past' but is more commonly used in everyday conversation. For example, saying '以往我去过' (I went in the past) is less natural than '以前我去过'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 以往

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Component Characters

以yǐto use
HSK 54 strokes人
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往wǎngto go (in a direction)
HSK 28 strokes彳
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Write 以往

以
往

Practice writing 以往 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 以往

以往 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

从____的经验来看，这件事基本上没有问题。

Based on past experience, this matter should be no problem.

Example Sentences for 以往 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
建筑业不再像以往那样萧条了。

jiàn zhù yè bù zài xiàng yǐ wǎng nà yàng xiāo tiáo le。

The construction industry is no longer as depressed as it was.
2
他们那天晚上的演出比以往任何一次都好.

tā mén nà tiān wǎn shàng de yǎn chū bǐ yǐ wǎng rèn hé yī cì dū hǎo.

Their performance that night was better than any before.
3
年轻人想要与以往截然不同的东西。

nián qīng rén xiǎng yào yǔ yǐ wǎng jié rán bù tóng de dōng xī。

Young people want something totally different from the old ways.
4
从数量上看，产量增长的速度比以往任何时期都要快。

cóng shù liáng shàng kàn， ， chǎn liáng zēng cháng de sù dù bǐ yǐ wǎng rèn hé shí qī dū yào。

In terms of quantity, production grew faster than ever before.
5
她的嗓音非常好，现在的唱功比以往任何时候都要好。

tā de sǎng yīn fēi cháng hǎo， ， xiàn zài de chàng gōng bǐ yǐ wǎng rèn hé shí hòu dū yào。

She's got a great voice and is singing better than ever.
6
总统需要将人们的视线从他以往在经济上的表现上转移开。

zǒng tǒng xū yào jiāng rén mén de shì xiàn cóng tā yǐ wǎng zài jīng jì shàng de biǎo xiàn shàng zhuǎn yí kāi。

The President needed to divert attention away from his own economic record.
7
今年的收成比以往哪一年都好.

jīn nián de shōu chéng bǐ yǐ wǎng nǎ yī nián dū hǎo.

This year's crop is better than any other year's.
8
今年的收成比以往哪年都好.

jīn nián de shōu chéng bǐ yǐ wǎng nǎ nián dū hǎo.

The year's harvest is better than any previous year's.
9
他以往的丑行被发现时，人们感到震惊。

tā yǐ wǎng de chǒu háng bèi fā xiàn shí， ， rén mén gǎn dào zhèn。

It was a shock to discover the truth about his sordid past.
10
我按响了门铃,毫不觉得奇怪地看到赫伯特仍然和以往一样胖.

wǒ àn xiǎng le mén líng, , háo bù jué dé qí guài dì kàn dào hè bó tè réng rán hé yǐ wǎng yī yàng.

I rang the bell and was not surprised to see that Herbert was as fat as ever.

Cultural Notes for 以往

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of reflecting on the past is significant in Chinese culture, often seen in literature and philosophy. The phrase 以往 can be related to the traditional value of learning from past experiences to improve future decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions about 以往

No, 以往 specifically refers to the past, so it should not be used for current events.