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跟前 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
跟前gēnqiánin front ofHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánclose toHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánnearbyHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánthe time just beforeHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánliving with sbHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánthe front (of)HSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqián(of children, parents etc) at one's sideHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqián(in) frontHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánliving with oneHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqián(in) sb's presenceHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiánjust before (a date)HSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianin front ofHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianclose toHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqiannearbyHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianthe time just beforeHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianliving with sbHSK 6, f, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianthe front (of)HSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqian(of children, parents etc) at one's sideHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqian(in) frontHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianliving with oneHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqian(in) sb's presenceHSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
跟前gēnqianjust before (a date)HSK 6, unknown, rank #13883, Hard
gēnqián(gen1qian2)
primary
 T1
  1. 1in front of
  2. 2close to
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
跟前gēnqián(gen1qian2)

跟前 refers to a position that is physically close to someone or something, often indicating proximity or presence. It can also denote a time just before a significant event, such as an upcoming date or occasion. This word is commonly used in both physical and temporal contexts.

Frequency#13883DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being physically close to family or friends is often valued, as it signifies emotional connection and support. The concept of proximity in relationships is emphasized in many social contexts, such as family gatherings.

Memory Tip

Imagine standing right next to your friend, where you can see their face clearly—this is your 跟前. The character 跟 (gēn) resembles a person walking beside another, emphasizing closeness, while 前 (qián) means 'front' or 'before,' reinforcing the idea of being near the front or close by.

Meanings of 跟前

gēnqián(gen1qian2)
primary
1in front of
2close to
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 跟前

跟前Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#13883Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 跟前

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Podcast: 跟前

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AI Study Notes for 跟前

Quick Contrast

临近 (línjìn) - use 跟前 when emphasizing physical closeness or presence, while 临近 is more about nearness in time or space without the personal aspect.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine standing right next to your friend, where you can see their face clearly—this is your 跟前. The character 跟 (gēn) resembles a person walking beside another, emphasizing closeness, while 前 (qián) means 'front' or 'before,' reinforcing the idea of being near the front or close by.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 跟前 with just 跟 (gēn), which means 'to follow.' Use 跟前 in contexts where proximity is emphasized. Common collocations include '跟前的时间' (the time just before) and '跟前的亲人' (close relatives).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 跟前 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to location and time. Students should focus on practicing its usage in sentences to express proximity and time-related concepts effectively.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being physically close to family or friends is often valued, as it signifies emotional connection and support. The concept of proximity in relationships is emphasized in many social contexts, such as family gatherings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 跟前 with 跟 (gēn) and use it incorrectly in sentences. For example, saying '我跟他' (I follow him) instead of '我在他跟前' (I am in front of him) misses the nuance of proximity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 跟前

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Component Characters

跟gēnheel
HSK 213 strokes足
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前qiánfront
HSK 19 strokes刂
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Write 跟前

跟
前

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

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Grammar Patterns of 跟前

跟前 carries 11 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

吉尔站起身，走到书架____，取下一本书。

Gil rose and went to his bookcase and took down a volume.

Example Sentences for 跟前 (5)

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1
吉尔站起身，走到书架跟前，取下一本书。

jí ěr zhàn qǐ shēn， ， zǒu dào shū jià gēn， qián ， qǔ xià yī。

Gil rose and went to his bookcase and took down a volume.
2
他母亲把他叫到跟前训斥了一番，又哭哭啼啼地向上帝祷告。

tā mǔ qīn bǎ tā jiào dào gēn qián xùn chì le yī fān， ， yòu kū kū tí tí dì xiàng shàng dì dǎo。

His mother summoned him, upbraided him, wept and prayed.
3
他站了一会儿，踮着脚跟前后摇晃。

tā zhàn le yī huì ér， ， diǎn zháo jiǎo gēn qián hòu yáo。

He stood a few moments, rocking back and forwards on his heels.
4
他拖着脚走到房间那头的窗户跟前。

tā tuō zháo jiǎo zǒu dào fáng jiān nà tóu de chuāng hù gēn qián。

He shuffled across the room to the window.
5
他把那封信推到我跟前让我看签名.

tā bǎ nà fēng xìn tuī dào wǒ gēn qián ràng wǒ kàn qiān míng.

He pushed the letter at me so that I could read the signature.

Cultural Notes for 跟前

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, being physically close to family or friends is often valued, as it signifies emotional connection and support. The concept of proximity in relationships is emphasized in many social contexts, such as family gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions about 跟前

Yes, 跟前 can refer to being physically close to someone as well as a time just before an event.