先前
xiān qián
prior
The Chinese word '先前' is analogous to 'prior' in English. It is typically used to reference something that occurred before a certain point in time. Just like 'prior', '先前' can be utilized in various contexts, including but not limited to discussing prior experiences, prior knowledge, or actions done prior to a specific event.
Example sentences using: 先前
先前我去过那个地方。
xiānqián wǒ qùguò nàgè dìfāng.
I have been to that place before.
The speaker indicates past experience by talking about having visited a certain place before.
他先前没告诉我这件事。
tā xiānqián méi gàosù wǒ zhè jiàn shì.
He didn't tell me about this before.
The speaker expresses a lack of prior knowledge due to not being informed beforehand.
先前你讲的我都记住了。
xiānqián nǐ jiǎng de wǒ dōu jì zhù le.
I remembered all that you said before.
The speaker affirms that they clearly remembered everything said to them earlier.
先前的时间我们都浪费了。
xiānqián de shíjiān wǒmen dōu làngfèi le.
We have wasted all the time before.
The speaker acknowledges that previously spent time has been wasted.
先前的计划需要改变。
xiānqián de jìhuà xūyào gǎibiàn.
The previous plan needs to be changed.
The speaker indicates that there's an existing plan that requires alterations.
我的先前经验帮了大忙。
wǒ de xiānqián jīngyàn bāng le dà máng.
My previous experience was a big help.
The speaker suggests that their earlier experiences were beneficial.
我先前住在上海。
wǒ xiānqián zhù zài shànghǎi.
I used to live in Shanghai before.
The speaker expresses that they lived in Shanghai previously.
先前他已经给我一些提示。
xiānqián tā yǐjīng gěi wǒ yīxiē tíshì.
He has already given me some hints before.
The speaker comments on receiving hints or tips earlier.
我先前做过同样的事情。
wǒ xiānqián zuò guò tóngyàng de shìqíng.
I have done the same thing before.
The speaker explains that they have had a similar experience in the past.
先前的订单已经取消。
xiānqián de dìngdān yǐjīng qǔxiāo.
The previous order has been cancelled.
The speaker indicates that an earlier placed order has now been cancelled.