Learning how to express the concept of “last month” in Chinese is an essential skill for any Chinese language learner. Whether you want to discuss recent events or simply have a conversation about the past, being able to use this phrase correctly will greatly enhance your communication skills in Chinese. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of saying “last month” in Chinese, with some useful tips and examples to help you along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Last Month” in Chinese
When it comes to formal speech in Chinese, there are a few common phrases you can use to express the concept of “last month.” Here are the most frequently used ones:
1. 上个月 (shàng gè yuè)
This is the most straightforward and commonly used phrase to say “last month” in Chinese. It is suitable for both written and spoken language in formal settings. Let’s take a look at some examples:
Example 1: 我上个月去了北京。
(Wǒ shàng gè yuè qùle Běijīng.)
Translation: I went to Beijing last month.Example 2: 我上个月的工作很繁忙。
(Wǒ shàng gè yuè de gōngzuò hěn fánmáng.)
Translation: My work was busy last month.
2. 上月 (shàng yuè)
This phrase is slightly more concise than “上个月” but just as appropriate in formal contexts. It is often used in written language or formal speeches. Let’s see it in action:
Example 1: 上月的销售额有所增长。
(Shàng yuè de xiāoshòu é yǒu suǒ zēngzhǎng.)
Translation: There was some growth in sales last month.Example 2: 上月我们的项目进展得很顺利。
(Shàng yuè wǒmen de xiàngmù jìnzhǎn dé hěn shùnlì.)
Translation: Our project progressed smoothly last month.
Informal Ways to Say “Last Month” in Chinese
Informal speech offers a bit more flexibility in expressing the concept of “last month” in Chinese. Here are a few commonly used phrases in casual conversations or informal writing:
1. 前个月 (qián gè yuè)
This phrase is frequently used in colloquial speech to refer to “last month.” It is more commonly heard in Mandarin-speaking regions. Let’s check out some examples:
Example 1: 我前个月去了上海。
(Wǒ qián gè yuè qùle Shànghǎi.)
Translation: I went to Shanghai last month.Example 2: 前个月天气很糟糕。
(Qián gè yuè tiānqì hěn zāogāo.)
Translation: The weather was terrible last month.
2. 上一月 (shàng yī yuè)
This phrase is similar to “上个月” in meaning but is a bit more flexible in use. It is suitable for informal conversations or written language, allowing you to express the concept of “last month” in a casual manner. Let’s see it in context:
Example 1: 上一月我读完了一本好书。
(Shàng yī yuè wǒ dú wánle yī běn hǎo shū.)
Translation: I finished reading a good book last month.Example 2: 上一月我们没有旅行，只是在家休息。
(Shàng yī yuè wǒmen méiyǒu lǚxíng, zhǐ shì zàijiā xiūxí.)
Translation: We didn’t travel last month; we just rested at home.
Conclusion
Now that you have explored both formal and informal ways to say “last month” in Chinese, you are well-equipped to discuss past events and engage in conversations about the recent past. Remember to choose the appropriate phrase based on the context and level of formality. Practice using these expressions in various sentences to further strengthen your communication skills in Chinese. Happy learning!
