前 (qián) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 前 (qián) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 前 (qián) means "front; before; former". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 9 strokes and the radical 刂.

Q: How do you write 前 stroke by stroke?

前 has 9 strokes. The radical is 刂. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 前 and 删?

前 (qián) and 删 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 前?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 刂. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 前?

Common words containing 前 include: 前面 (qián miàn) — In front / Ahead; 以前 (yǐ qián) — before; previously; in the past; 前天 (qián tiān) — the day before yesterday.

How to Write 前

The character 前 (qián) is written with 9 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 刂 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

前 is pronounced qián in Mandarin Chinese. It means front; before; former.

As an HSK Level 1 character, 前 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 前

前面 qián miàn

In front / Ahead

以前 yǐ qián

before; previously; in the past

前天 qián tiān

the day before yesterday

Example Sentences

车站就在前面。

chē zhàn jiù zài qián miàn

The station is just ahead.

我以前住在这里。

wǒ yǐ qián zhù zài zhè lǐ

I used to live here.

我前天见到了他。

wǒ qián tiān jiàn dào le tā

I saw him the day before yesterday.

Similar Characters

删 shān

判 pàn

刨 bào

Practice Writing 前 (qián)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 前 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 前

What does 前 (qián) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 前 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 前 and 删?

What mistakes do learners make writing 前?

What common words use 前?

How to Write 前 (qián)