前前后后

前前後後

qiánqiánhòuhòu

phrase #35,783

Meanings

1 the whole sequence of events
2 from start to finish
3 all aspects (front, back, before, after)

Characters

Examples

这件事的前前后后我都告诉你了。

Zhè jiàn shì de qiánqiánhòuhòu wǒ dōu gàosu nǐ le.

I've told you the whole story of this matter from beginning to end.

他把房间前前后后检查了一遍。

Tā bǎ fángjiān qiánqiánhòuhòu jiǎnchá le yī biàn.

He checked every part of the room, front to back.

这个项目前前后后花了三年时间。

Zhège xiàngmù qiánqiánhòuhòu huā le sān nián shíjiān.

This project took three years all told.

Tips

usage

Reduplication of 前后 (before-and-after) into AABB form turns it into 'the whole sequence' or 'every aspect'. Often introduces a full retelling: 这件事的前前后后… ('the whole story of…'). Can also describe physical thoroughness — checking front and back of something.

grammar

Functions as a noun ('the whole of it') after 的, or adverbially ('thoroughly, all told') before a verb. Compare with 来来去去 láiláiqùqù ('back and forth') — same AABB pattern, different paired verbs.

Stroke Order

前 qián

后 hòu