B2 · Grammar reference · ASG16EF6
Expressing "once" with "cengjing" 曾经 (céngjīng) is an adverb, and as such comes before verb phrases in a sentence. It adds the sense of "once" having happened (the "once upon a time" meaning of "once"), sometimes translated as "ever." It frequently pairs with 过.
Structure
Subj. + 曾经 + Verb + 过 (+ Obj.)
曾经 + 是 / 在 / 有 ⋯⋯
不曾 / 未曾 + Verb + 过 + Obj.
Keywords 曾经 · 过 · 不曾 · 未曾 · once
Used for Expressing time and date · Referring to the past
Classification Adverbs Examples (15) Add all sentences to My sentences We once went there together. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. He said that he once did a lot of stupid things. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. I once liked you. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. She once wanted to become an actress. She later became a stay-at-home mom. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. In order to find her biological parents, she once spent a lot of money. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. We were all young once. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. His music was once popular. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. He was once my boss. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. There was once a school here. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. The municipal government [building] was once next to our house. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. His tomb was once overseas. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. She once had a Spanish boyfriend. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. Their family once had lots of money. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. They've been writing letters to each other, but they've never met. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. He's had no parents since he was very young. He's never experienced the warmth of a family. Illustrates Expressing "once" with "cengjing" with 曾经. Further resources
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