前任
qiánrèn
In Chinese, the phrase 'ex' is expressed as 前任 (qiánrèn).
The term is used to describe a person who was previously a romantic partner of the speaker or another person.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 前任 means 'former official' or 'predecessor'.
Which one should you use?
While 前任 is a general term, you can specify the gender of the person by using 前男友 for an ex-boyfriend or 前女友 for an ex-girlfriend. For a gender-neutral way to refer to a former partner, you can use 前任对象.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
前任 is a relatively formal or neutral way to refer to an ex-partner. In contrast, 前男友 (ex-boyfriend) and 前女友 (ex-girlfriend) are more informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Southern China, especially in Cantonese-speaking regions, the term 前度 is commonly used to mean 'ex'.
How do you pronounce it?
qiánrèn
Did you know?
- Chinese speakers sometimes use the phrase 前任 in a joking way to refer to an ex-partner as if they were a 'retired' official from a government post.
- The character 任 in 前任 contains the meaning of 'duty' or 'office', implying that the relationship was a position one once held or a role one once fulfilled.
- Using the more formal 前任 can sometimes act as a linguistic shield, making the mention of a past lover sound less painful or intimate than using more descriptive, casual terms.
Examples in context
- 我的前女友喜欢旅行。My ex-girlfriend likes to travel.
- 我跟前任对象已经分手很久了。I have been broken up with my former partner for a long time.
- 她不想再见到她的前任。Tā bù xiǎng zài jiàn dào tā de qiánrèn.She does not want to see her ex again.
- 他的前任是个很好的人。Tā de qiánrèn shì gè hěn hǎo de rén.His ex is a very good person.
- 我和前任已经分手了。Wǒ hé qiánrèn yǐjīng fēnshǒu le.I have already broken up with my ex.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about relationships at a cafe.
- 梓涵 Zihan你还在想你的前任吗？Nǐ hái zài xiǎng nǐ de qiánrèn ma?Are you still thinking about your ex?
- 伟 Wei梓涵，我没那么快忘记她。Zǐhán, wǒ méi nàme kuài wàngjì tā.Zihan, I won't forget her that quickly.
- 梓涵 Zihan别难过了，伟。Bié nánguò le, Wěi.Don't be sad, Wei.
- 伟 Wei谢谢你的关心。Xièxiè nǐ de guānxīn.Thanks for your concern.
