For students preparing for the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), understanding and correctly using time expressions is crucial. Among these, the concept of "before-after-when" stands out as particularly important. This article will delve into how to express these temporal relationships in Mandarin Chinese, focusing on the key structures you'll encounter in your HSK journey.
The Importance of Time Expressions in HSK
Time expressions are fundamental in any language, and Chinese is no exception. In HSK exams, you'll frequently encounter questions that test your ability to understand and use these expressions accurately. Mastering "before-after-when" will not only improve your score but also enhance your overall communication skills in Mandarin.
Key Structures for "Before-After-When"
1. Expressing "Before" (以前 - yǐqián)
In Chinese, "before" is typically expressed using 以前 (yǐqián). This versatile structure can be used in various contexts:
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Time + 以前: Example: 三年以前 (sān nián yǐqián) - three years ago
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Verb/Action + 以前: Example: 吃饭以前 (chīfàn yǐqián) - before eating
Practice:
- 我去中国以前，我的汉语不太好。 (Wǒ qù Zhōngguó yǐqián, wǒ de Hànyǔ bù tài hǎo.) Before I went to China, my Chinese wasn't very good.
2. Expressing "After" (以后 - yǐhòu)
The counterpart to 以前 is 以后 (yǐhòu), used to express "after":
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Time + 以后: Example: 毕业以后 (bìyè yǐhòu) - after graduation
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Verb/Action + 以后: Example: 考试以后 (kǎoshì yǐhòu) - after the exam
Practice:
- 下课以后，我们一起去图书馆吧。 (Xiàkè yǐhòu, wǒmen yīqǐ qù túshūguǎn ba.) After class, let's go to the library together.
3. Expressing "When" (的时候 - de shíhou)
To express "when" in Chinese, we use 的时候 (de shíhou):
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Noun + 的时候: Example: 冬天的时候 (dōngtiān de shíhou) - when it's winter
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Verb/Action + 的时候: Example: 学习的时候 (xuéxí de shíhou) - when studying
Practice:
- 我睡觉的时候，请不要打扰我。 (Wǒ shuìjiào de shíhou, qǐng bùyào dǎrǎo wǒ.) When I'm sleeping, please don't disturb me.
Combining These Structures
In more complex sentences, you might need to combine these structures. Here are some examples:
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Before + When: 考试以前的时候，我总是很紧张。 (Kǎoshì yǐqián de shíhou, wǒ zǒngshì hěn jǐnzhāng.) When it's before the exam, I'm always very nervous.
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After + When: 吃完饭以后的时候，我喜欢散步。 (Chī wán fàn yǐhòu de shíhou, wǒ xǐhuan sànbù.) When it's after finishing a meal, I like to take a walk.
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Complex time relationships: 我上大学以前的时候，每天都学习汉语。毕业以后，我来中国工作了。 (Wǒ shàng dàxué yǐqián de shíhou, měitiān dōu xuéxí Hànyǔ. Bìyè yǐhòu, wǒ lái Zhōngguó gōngzuò le.) When it was before I went to university, I studied Chinese every day. After graduating, I came to work in China.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Word Order: Remember that in Chinese, time expressions usually come before the main verb: Incorrect: 我去图书馆以后学习。 Correct: 我以后去图书馆学习。 (Wǒ yǐhòu qù túshūguǎn xuéxí.) I will study at the library later.
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Overusing 的时候: Not every "when" in English requires 的时候 in Chinese: Incorrect: 当我学习汉语的时候，我觉得很有意思。 Correct: 我学习汉语时，觉得很有意思。 (Wǒ xuéxí Hànyǔ shí, juédé hěn yǒu yìsi.) When I study Chinese, I find it very interesting.
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Confusing 以前 and 以后: Pay attention to the context: Incorrect: 我吃完饭以前，去散步。 Correct: 我吃完饭以后，去散步。 (Wǒ chī wán fàn yǐhòu, qù sànbù.) After I finish eating, I'll go for a walk.
Practical Exercises for HSK Preparation
To reinforce your understanding, try these exercises:
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Fill in the blanks with 以前, 以后, or 的时候: a. 我回家______，给你打电话。 b. 他小______住在北京。 c. 你吃早饭______做什么？
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Translate the following sentences into Chinese: a. Before going to bed, I like to read a book. b. After the meeting, we'll discuss the project. c. When it rains, I prefer to stay at home.
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Rewrite these sentences to correct the errors: a. 我明天以后去北京。 b. 当我学习的时候，常常听音乐。 c. 放学以前，我们一起吃晚饭吧。
Conclusion
Mastering the "before-after-when" concept is essential for HSK success and overall proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. By understanding and practicing the use of 以前, 以后, and 的时候, you'll significantly improve your ability to express time relationships accurately. Remember to pay attention to word order and context, and don't hesitate to practice these structures in your daily conversations.
As you continue your HSK preparation, focus on incorporating these time expressions into your writing and speaking practice. With consistent effort, you'll find that using these structures becomes second nature, boosting your confidence and performance in the HSK exam and real-life communication situations.
Keep practicing, and good luck with your HSK journey!