How to Say ‘What job did you do before?’ in Traditional Chinese
你以前做什麼工作？
nǐ yǐ qián zuò shén me gōng zuò
[nǐ yǐqián zuò shénme gong-dzwaw]
💬 Usage Tip: Question words stay where the answer would go. Ask 你以前做什麼工作？ and reply 我以前做老師 "I used to be a teacher," with the answer simply replacing 什麼.
Phrase Breakdown
你以前
nǐ yǐ qián
you, before / in the past
以前 (yǐqián) means 'before' or 'previously'. It comes right after the subject.
你以前住哪裡？
Where did you live before?
Words in this phrase
你
nǐ
[nǐ]
you
Refers to the person being spoken to.
你今天看起來很高興。
You look happy today.
以前
yǐ qián
[yǐqián]
before
Placed after a time to mean 'before/by that time'.
中午以前要付款。
Payment is due before noon.
做什麼工作？
zuò shén me gōng zuò
did what kind of work?
This asks about someone's job. 什麼 means 'what'.
他做什麼工作？
What does he do for work?
Words in this phrase
做
zuò
[zuò]
to do
A basic verb for performing an action or task.
你今天要做什麼？
What are you going to do today?
什麼
shén me
[shénme]
what
Question word for 'what'.
你想買什麼？
What do you want to buy?
工作
gōng zuò
[gong-dzwaw]
work; job
A job, profession, or the tasks you do as employment.
這份工作很適合剛畢業的人。
This job is very suitable for someone who just graduated.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer