Definition

1. Adverbial phrase:
   • In the past, formerly, previously: "Hồi trước" is used to refer to a time that has already passed, indicating that an event, state, or situation occurred or existed before the present moment. It often carries a nostalgic or comparative tone.

Usage Examples

• Adverbial phrase:
  • Hồi trước, tôi sống ở Hà Nội. (In the past, I lived in Hanoi.)
  • Giá cả hồi trước rẻ hơn bây giờ nhiều. (Prices were much cheaper in the past compared to now.)
  • Hồi trước, ông ấy là một giáo viên. (He was a teacher previously.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hồi trước" vs. "Trước đây": Both mean "in the past," but "hồi trước" can sound slightly more conversational and is often used when recalling personal memories or experiences from a more distant past.

  • Hồi trước, con đường này chưa có đèn điện. (In the old days, this street didn't have electric lights.)

• Used to introduce a contrast between the past and the present.

  • Hồi trước tôi thích nhạc rock, nhưng giờ thì thích nhạc cổ điển. (I used to like rock music, but now I prefer classical.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trước đây / Trước kia (adv): Previously, formerly. These are more neutral and common synonyms.
• Ngày xưa / Thuở xưa (adv): Long ago, in ancient times. These imply a more distant, often legendary or historical past.
• Hồi đó (adv): At that time (in the past). Refers to a specific past period already mentioned.

Synonyms

• Trước đây: Previously, formerly.
• Ngày trước: In the old days.
• Trước kia: Before, in earlier times.

Related Phrases

• Hồi trước thì...: A common phrase structure to start a sentence contrasting past and present.
  • Hồi trước thì đi bộ, giờ có xe máy rồi. (In the past, we walked; now we have motorbikes.)

Related Idioms

• Chuyện hồi trước: Stories from the past / old tales.
  • Ông nội thường kể cho tôi nghe những chuyện hồi trước. (My grandfather often told me stories from the past.)

1. In the past