HSK 5
Useful phrase, I’ll try to use it in the few days I have left in China. Are there different words depending on the outlook I have for the past situation?
Glad you found it useful! 😊
If you’re looking for variations depending on your outlook, Chinese does have other options besides 曾经:
- 以前 (yǐqián) — more neutral, simply “before/in the past,” without the nostalgic or emotional tone of 曾经.
- 过去 (guòqù) — “in the past,” sometimes with a sense of distance or finality.
- 那时候 / 那时 (nà shíhou / nà shí) — “at that time,” focusing more on when something happened than the fact it’s over.
So, if you want to add sentiment or drama, stick with 曾经. If you want to be neutral, 以前 works well.
Enjoy your last few days in China!
Thanks!
Useful phrase, I’ll try to use it in the few days I have left in China. Are there different words depending on the outlook I have for the past situation?
Glad you found it useful! 😊
If you’re looking for variations depending on your outlook, Chinese does have other options besides 曾经:
- 以前 (yǐqián) — more neutral, simply “before/in the past,” without the nostalgic or emotional tone of 曾经.
- 过去 (guòqù) — “in the past,” sometimes with a sense of distance or finality.
- 那时候 / 那时 (nà shíhou / nà shí) — “at that time,” focusing more on when something happened than the fact it’s over.
So, if you want to add sentiment or drama, stick with 曾经. If you want to be neutral, 以前 works well.
Enjoy your last few days in China!
Thanks!