Skip main navigation

New words and language points

Let's learn the new words and language points first.

New words

北京Běijīng Beijing, capital of China

住 zhù to live or to stay

前 qián before, earlier than

Language points

the noun “前”indicating of time . 前can be used to refer to a period prior to the time being mentioned. The structure is: specific time/a period of time + 前

For example:

中午十二点前 zhōngwǔ shíèrdiǎn qián before 12 noon

星期三前 xīngqī sān qián before Wednesday

We have learned“能……吗”structure before, if you want to make sure it is possible for someone to do something before a certain time, you can say the sentences like this:

我们中午十二点前能吃饭吗?

你星期三前能去北京吗?

他一月十八号前能回家吗?

the answer would be 能 or 不能.

This article is from the free online

HSK Standard Course Level 1: 1.3

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now