Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "ex-girlfriend" with 前女友 (qián nǚyǒu)

    Description & Modification
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    前 + Relationship Noun

    Explanation

    前女友 (qián nǚyǒu) means "ex-girlfriend." The prefix 前 (former) is placed before 女友 (girlfriend) to indicate a past romantic relationship. This pattern extends to other relationships as well, such as 前男友 (ex-boyfriend) or 前妻 (ex-wife).

    Examples

    • 他跟前女友分手已经两年了。

      Tā gēn qián nǚyǒu fēnshǒu yǐjīng liǎng nián le.

      It's been two years since he broke up with his ex-girlfriend.

    • 在街上偶遇前女友,气氛有点尴尬。

      Zài jiē shàng ǒuyù qián nǚyǒu, qìfēn yǒudiǎn gāngà.

      Running into his ex-girlfriend on the street, the atmosphere was a bit awkward.

    • 她不太喜欢男朋友老是提起前女友。

      Tā bú tài xǐhuan nán péngyǒu lǎoshì tíqǐ qián nǚyǒu.

      She doesn't really like that her boyfriend always brings up his ex-girlfriend.

    Expressing "ex-girlfriend" with 前女友 (qián nǚyǒu) | Chinese Grammar