此前

• Pinyin: cǐ qián
• Hanzi breakdown: 此 = 止 (stop) + 匕 (spoon), this; 前 = 止 (foot) + 刂 (knife) + 月 (moon), before

Meaning

Previously; before this; prior to this. Refers to a time before the current point.

A formal expression indicating a time period before the present or before a referenced event. Commonly used in news articles, historical accounts, and formal writing to provide background or contrast with current events. In casual speech, 之前 or 以前 is preferred.

Examples

1. 此前从未有人完成过这样的挑战。 No one has ever completed such a challenge before this.
2. 此前的报道存在一些不准确的地方。 The previous reports contained some inaccuracies.
3. 他此前在一家外企工作了十年。 He previously worked at a foreign company for ten years.

Usage Guide

Context: news, academic, historical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 此前我们已经讨论过这个问题。(We have discussed this issue previously.)
• 此前的版本存在漏洞。(The previous version had vulnerabilities.)

Don't Say

• 口语中'之前'或'以前'更常用，'此前'偏书面 (In speech, 之前 or 以前 is more common — 此前 is more written)

Origin & History

Combines 此 (this) with 前 (before), meaning 'before this point.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal