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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'former' with 前 (qián)

    Description & Modification
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    前 + Title/Role

    Explanation

    前 (qián) means 'former,' 'previous,' or 'ex-' when placed before a title or role. It indicates that someone previously held a position but no longer does.

    Examples

    • 前总统出席了今天的纪念活动。

      qián zǒngtǒng chūxíle jīntiān de jìniàn huódòng.

      The former president attended today's memorial event.

    • 这位前同事现在自己开了一家公司。

      zhè wèi qián tóngshì xiànzài zìjǐ kāile yī jiā gōngsī.

      This former colleague has now started his own company.

    • 前校长在任期间做了很多改革。

      qián xiàozhǎng zài rènqī qījiān zuòle hěnduō gǎigé.

      The former principal carried out many reforms during his tenure.

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    Expressing 'former' with 前 (qián) | Chinese Grammar