When combined, `男友 (nányǒu)` becomes “boyfriend” (literally “male friend”). Adding the prefix `前 (qián)` to `男友` creates `前男友`, logically meaning “former boyfriend” or “ex-boyfriend”.
The concept of an “ex-boyfriend” is universal, but its social handling can differ. In modern China, especially among younger, urban generations, discussing past relationships and a 前男友 is quite common and open, similar to in the West. However, there's often a stronger cultural inclination towards making a clean break (一刀两断, yī dāo liǎng duàn - “to sever with one cut”) after a breakup. This is subtly linked to the concept of 面子 (miànzi), or “face.” Maintaining a close, platonic friendship with a 前男友 can sometimes be viewed with suspicion by new partners or family, as it might suggest unresolved feelings and could cause a loss of face for the new partner. While in the West it's fairly common to hear, “My ex and I are still great friends,” in China, this is less of a default expectation. The relationship status is more likely to be a clear “we are broken up,” and any subsequent friendship would need to be explicitly defined and is generally less common.
前男友 is a standard, informal term used in daily life. You'll hear it in conversations between friends, in TV dramas, and see it frequently on social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin when people share relationship stories or advice.