Decoded Slug: 之前 (zhīqián) - Before, prior to
Mandarin Grammar Point
之前 (zhīqián) - Before, prior to
之前 (zhīqián) - Before, prior to
Short explanation:
Used to indicate that something happened before a certain point in time.
Formation:
Time reference + 之前 + Statement
Examples:
晚饭之前，我需要完成我的家庭作业。
Wǎnfàn zhīqián, wǒ xūyào wánchéng wǒ de jiātíng zuòyè.
Before dinner, I need to finish my homework.
他月球之前是个航天员。
Tā yuèqiú zhīqián shìgè hángtiān yuán.
He was an astronaut before the moon.
下雨之前，我们应该回家。
Xià yǔ zhīqián, wǒmen yīnggāi huíjiā.
We should go home before it rains.
我在你生日派对之前已经买了礼物。
Wǒ zài nǐ shēngrì pàiduì zhīqián yǐjīng mǎi le lǐwù.
I bought the gift before your birthday party.
Long explanation:
The Mandarin Chinese phrase '之前 (zhīqián)' is used to refer to a time before or prior to a certain event or point in time. It is equivalent to saying 'before' in English. Bear in mind, it always comes after the time reference.