以前
いぜん
izen
JLPT N3nounVocabularyLevel 30 - JLPT N3
Quick answer
以前 (いぜん (izen)) means "Ago". The reading is いぜん (izen). Audio pronunciation and kanji breakdown are below.
Meaning
Ago
Also : Before · Prior to · Previously
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Example Sentences
以前に比べて日本語が上手になった。
いぜんにくらべてにほんごがじょうずになった。
My Japanese has improved compared to before.
彼は以前この会社で働いていた。
かれはいぜんこのかいしゃではたらいていた。
He worked at this company in the past.
Kanji in this word
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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