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从前

cóng qián

HSK 5

Meaning

  • previously

Definition

表示以前的时间,过去。

Indicates a time in the past; formerly.

Usage

用于描述发生在过去的事情,常出现在叙事或回忆中。

Used to describe events that happened in the past, often appearing in narratives or memories.

Examples

  • 1 从前有一个美丽的村庄。 (Once upon a time there was a beautiful village.)
  • 2 他从前是个老师,现在退休了。 (He used to be a teacher; now he is retired.)
  • 3 从前的人们生活很简单。 (People in the past lived very simply.)
  • 4 我从前不喜欢吃辣椒,现在很喜欢。 (I didn't like eating chili peppers before, but now I like them very much.)
  • 5 从前的日子虽然苦,但很充实。 (Although life in the past was hard, it was fulfilling.)
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