以前

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Written 以前 and read いぜん, it means a time before a stated or understood reference point.
• Basic usage: It is used to contrast life before a move or recall an earlier condition.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Requires a reference point
  • It is relative to a contextual point in time, not simply a vague distant past.