前 (qián) - Front, forward, ahead & previous, former

前Tone 2

qián ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

前 · qián

Front, forward, ahead;

previous, former;

before;

to advance.

Front, forward, aheadprevious, formerbefore

Usage highlights

Front doorIn front ofPrevious experienceAdvance paymentBefore ChristFuture prospects

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 后— back, behind, after
  • 尾— tail, end
  • 末— end, final

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please sit in the front row (前排).
  • We need to look ahead to the future (前途).
  • He is a former president (前总统).
  • The road ahead is long (前路漫漫).

Collocations

  • Front door(前门)
  • In front of(前面)
  • Previous experience(前经验)
  • Advance payment(前付款)
  • Before Christ(公元前)
  • Future prospects(前途)

Idioms

  • Advance bravely(勇往直前)
  • Look ahead into the future(前程似锦)
  • Make a last-minute effort before deadline(临阵磨枪)
  • The past is gone, the future can be pursued(往者不可谏，来者犹可追)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, '前' often represents progress, advancement and the future.
  • The character appears in many historical contexts referring to dynastic periods (e.g., 前汉 - Former Han).
  • In martial arts and strategy, '前' signifies taking initiative and forward movement.

FAQ