French phrase
Avant, j'étais à ~.
Meaning
I was in ___ before.
When to use it
Indicates being in a place at an earlier time. It suits brief stays or temporary presence in neutral everyday speech.
Example dialogue
Avant, j'étais à Paris.
I was in Paris before.
Ah bon ? Tu y es resté longtemps ?
Oh, really? Did you stay there long?