之前zhīqián表示在某个时间或处所的前面{before; prior to; ago}: 吃饭～要洗手{Wash your hands before eating.}|一个月～我还遇到过他{I saw him only a month ago.}|他们站在队旗～举手宣誓。{They swore allegiance in front of the Young Pioneer's Flag.}[注意]NOTE: 多指时间,少指处所。{oft. used to indicate time and occasionally location}