directional, verb, noun, adverb · prior to a specific point in time or event; indicating a time boundary

在会议前，我们要做好准备。

directional, particle, measure word, punctuation · prior to the current time or a specified point in time

他两分钟前还在这里。

directional, idiom, verb, place word, noun · located in front, forward, or ahead in space

请大家向前看。

directional, pronoun, noun · previous, formerly, or relating to an earlier status or era (including BC years)

前政府制定的政策目前仍在执行。

directional · first or leading in a ranking or sequence, usually followed by a number

他的成绩排在全班前三名。

verb · referring to the time yet to come

做人眼光要向前看，不要总是盯着过去。