How to say “Used to” in Mandarin.

🔹 Basic Structure:

1. 以前 (Yǐqián)+ verb phrase
2. 曾经 (Céngjīng) + verb phrase (more formal or written)

🔹 Practice Examples:

1. 我以前住在北京。
   Wǒ yǐqián zhù zài Běijīng.
   → I used to live in Beijing.
2. 他以前是老师。
   Tā yǐqián shì lǎoshī.
   → He used to be a teacher.
3. 我们以前常常一起吃饭。
   Wǒmen yǐqián chángcháng yīqǐ chīfàn.
   → We used to eat together often.
4. 我曾经去过中国。
   Wǒ céngjīng qù guò Zhōngguó.
   → I once went to China / I used to have been to China.
5. 她曾经在银行工作。
   Tā céngjīng zài yínháng gōngzuò.
   → She used to work at a bank.

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🔸 Bonus: Negative form

• 我以前不喝咖啡。
  Wǒ yǐqián bù hē kāfēi.
  → I didn’t use to drink coffee.