Before/After: (在)……以前/以后/前/后
(在)……以前/以后/前/后
Express time relationships using before and after constructions
Place 以前 (before) or 以后 (after) after an event or time reference to create a time clause. 前 and 后 are shorter alternatives. 在 at the beginning is optional.
以前 and 前 mean "before"; 以后 and 后 mean "after." The full forms 以前/以后 are more common in writing and formal speech; 前/后 are used more in casual speech.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Before/After: (在)……以前/以后/前/后 ((在)……以前/以后/前/后)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the (在)……以前/以后/前/后 pattern
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Understanding (在)……以前/以后/前/后
Sequencing events is essential in any language. In Chinese, you describe WHEN something happens by placing 以前 (before) or 以后 (after) after the reference event. This is the opposite of English word order! In English you say "Before coming to China" — the "before" comes first. In Chinese you say 来中国以前 — the event comes first, then 以前. Think of it as: [Event] + 以前/以后. The shorter forms 前 and 后 work the same way but are more colloquial: 吃饭前 (before eating), 下课后 (after class). You can optionally add 在 at the beginning for emphasis: 在来中国以前. All four forms — 以前, 以后, 前, 后 — are extremely common and you will use them every day.
Key Points
- Event + 以前 = before the event: 来中国以前 (before coming to China).
- Event + 以后 = after the event: 吃完饭以后 (after finishing the meal).
- Event + 前 = before (shorter form): 运动前 (before exercising).
- Event + 后 = after (shorter form): 下课后 (after class).
- 在 at the start is optional and adds slight emphasis: 在来中国以前.
- The time clause usually comes BEFORE the main clause: [Time clause], [Main clause].
- 以前 alone can also mean "in the past": 我以前不会说中文 (I could not speak Chinese before).
- 以后 alone can mean "in the future": 以后我想去中国 (In the future I want to go to China).
Chinese grammar places time references early in the sentence. This reflects the Chinese thinking pattern of establishing context first, then stating the main point — a structure that runs through the entire language.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
在来中国以前，我只学过一点儿中文。
Before coming to China, I had only studied a little Chinese.
吃完午饭以后，我常常会睡一会儿。
After finishing lunch, I often take a nap.
你运动前应该活动一下儿身体。
You should warm up before exercising.
Short form of 以前
我明天下课后就去找你。
I will come find you right after class tomorrow.
Short form of 以后
睡觉以前，你应该少看手机。
Before going to bed, you should use your phone less.
毕业以后，你打算做什么？
After graduation, what do you plan to do?
饭前要洗手。
You should wash your hands before eating.
考试后我们去吃大餐吧。
Let us go have a big meal after the exam.
Common Mistakes
The event goes BEFORE 以前, not after it. Chinese order is: [Event] + 以前, the opposite of English.
Choose one — 以前 or 以后 — do not use both together for the same event.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Remember the Chinese order: EVENT first, then 以前/以后. It is the opposite of English!
Use 前/后 for short, punchy phrases: 饭前, 饭后, 课前, 课后.
When 以前/以后 stand alone (without a preceding event), they mean "in the past" / "in the future."
Practice with your daily routine: 起床以后先刷牙, 出门以前检查一下钥匙.
Homework
Write your complete daily routine using 以前, 以后, 前, and 后. Include at least eight sentences covering morning to night, using each form at least twice.