Fixed Pattern “……以前/以后/前/后”

Meaning

In Chinese, 以前 (yǐqián), 以后 (yǐhòu), 前 (qián), and 后 (hòu) are used to show whether something happens before or after a particular time or event.

Time / Event + 以前 / 前 → before… Time / Event + 以后 / 后 → after…

Simply remember: 以前 / 前 → before 以后 / 后 → after

Used to refer to a time before a particular moment or event.

这(Zhè)种(zhǒng)药(yào)需(xū)要(yào)每(měi)天(tiān)睡(shuì)前(qián)吃(chī)一(yí)次(cì)。

This medicine should be taken once a day before going to bed.

睡前 → before going to bed

Used to refer to a time after a particular moment or event.

我(Wǒ)们(men)决(jué)定(dìng)下(xià)班(bān)后(hòu)一(yì)起(qǐ)去(qù)看(kàn)个(ge)电(diàn)影(yǐng)。

We decided to go watch a movie together after work.

下班后 → after work

考(Kǎo)完(wán)试(shì)以(yǐ)后(hòu)，咱(zán)们(men)一(yì)起(qǐ)去(qù)旅(lǚ)游(yóu)吧(ba)。

After the exam, let's go on a trip together.

考完试以后 → after the exam

Simple formula: ……前 / ……以前 = before …… ……后 / ……以后 = after ……

睡(shuì)前(qián)before going to bed

下(xià)班(bān)后(hòu)after work

考(kǎo)试(shì)以(yǐ)前(qián)before the exam

考(kǎo)试(shì)以(yǐ)后(hòu)after the exam