Introduction
Understanding the intricacies of the Chinese language can be daunting, especially with words that hold various meanings and functions in different contexts. One such word is 前 (qián), which plays a significant role in both everyday conversation and written Chinese. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of 前 (qián), its grammatical structure, and provide numerous example sentences to illustrate its usage.
What Does 前 (qián) Mean?
The character 前 (qián) primarily means “front,” “before,” or “in front of.” It can denote physical positioning as well as temporal precedence. This makes it a versatile word used in various contexts, from spatial descriptions to referring to past events.
1. Literal Meaning
In a literal sense, 前 (qián) can refer to the front of an object or place. For example:
- 在前面 (zài qiánmiàn) – “in front (of)”
- 前门 (qiánmén) – “front door”
2. Temporal Use
In temporal contexts, 前 (qián) is often used to indicate something that occurred before another event. For example:
- 前天 (qiántiān) – “the day before yesterday”
- 年前 (nián qián) – “years ago”
Grammatical Structure of 前
The character 前 (qián) can function both as a noun and an adjective, depending on its use in a sentence. Understanding its grammatical role is essential for mastering its application.
1. As a Noun
When used as a noun, 前 (qián) typically refers to a location or time. It can stand alone or be paired with other characters to form compound nouns. For example:
- 前景 (qiánjǐng) – “foreground” or “prospect”
- 前途 (qiántú) – “future” or “prospects”
2. As an Adjective
As an adjective, 前 (qián) describes something that is in the front or earlier than something else. Examples include:
- 前面 (qiánmiàn) – “front” or “the front side”
- 前班 (qiánbān) – “previous class” or “earlier shift”
Example Sentences Using 前
To fully grasp how 前 (qián) functions, let’s explore some example sentences that illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.
1. Spatial Context
- 我在前面等你。 (Wǒ zài qiánmiàn děng nǐ.) – “I am waiting for you in the front.”
- 前面有一个大商场。 (Qiánmiàn yǒu yīgè dà shāngchǎng.) – “There is a large shopping mall in front.”
2. Temporal Context
- 我前天去看了电影。 (Wǒ qiántiān qù kànle diànyǐng.) – “I went to see a movie the day before yesterday.”
- 我们要提前一个小时到达,前面的会议时间很紧。 (Wǒmen yào tíqián yīgè xiǎoshí dàodá, qiánmiàn de huìyì shíjiān hěn jǐn.) – “We need to arrive an hour early because the previous meeting is very tight on time.”
3. Combinations and Expressions
前 (qián) is also commonly found in idiomatic expressions and phrases. Here are a few:
- 不久前 (bù jiǔ qián) – “not long ago”
- 显而易见 (xiǎn’ér yìjiàn) – “obviously” (literally: evident in front of your eyes)
Conclusion
In summary, the character 前 (qián) serves as a foundation for many expressions in the Chinese language. Its meanings range from physical placement to referencing time, allowing for diverse applications in both spoken and written forms. Mastering 前 (qián) enriches your understanding of Chinese and enhances your ability to communicate effectively. As with any language, practice makes perfect, so use the example sentences provided to incorporate 前 (qián) into your Chinese conversations.

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