Word: 早年 (zǎonián) 早年 dictionary entry zǎonián many years ago; in one's early years Full dictionary entry for 早年 Example sentences using 早年 3 sentences, showing page 1 of 1. 他早年在国外学过画画。 Tā zǎonián zài guówài xué guò huàhuà. In his early years, he studied painting abroad. 她早年在富人家当丫头。 Tā zǎonián zài fùrén jiādàng yātou. In her early years she worked as a servant girl in a rich family's household. 早年这里是一片农田。 Zǎonián zhèlǐ shì yípiàn nóngtián. In the past, this place was all farmland.