前边

• Pinyin: qián biān
• Hanzi breakdown: 前 = forward/front; 边 = 辶 (walk) + 力 (power), meaning side or edge

Meaning

In front; ahead; the front side. A location word indicating the area in front of something.

Interchangeable with 前面 in most contexts. Used to describe what is spatially ahead of a reference point. Commonly follows a noun to indicate position, such as 学校前边 (in front of the school). Can also be used on its own to mean 'up ahead.'

Examples

1. 学校前边有一个公园。 There is a park in front of the school.
2. 你看前边那个人是谁？ Look, who is that person ahead?
3. 请在前边等我。 Please wait for me up ahead.

Usage Guide

Context: location, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 前边有一家饭店。(There is a restaurant up ahead.)
• 他在我前边。(He is in front of me.)

Don't Say

• 在那个前边。(Vague — specify what is in front: 在那栋楼前边 or 在商店前边)

Origin & History

A compound of 前 (front) and 边 (side/edge), together specifying the front side or area.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal