HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 丨, rank #7971, Very Hard
临
lín
to overlook
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 丨, rank #7971, Very Hard
临
lín
to arrive
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 丨, rank #7971, Very Hard
临
lín
to be (just) about to
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 丨, rank #7971, Very Hard
临
lín
just before
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 丨, rank #7971, Very Hard
临
lín
to draw near, to approach; to descend
HSK 7, v, 9 strokes, radical 丨, rank #7971, Very Hard
lín(lin2)lin T2
1to face
2to overlook
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
临(臨)lín(lin2)
临 (lín) means to face or approach something. It is commonly used in contexts where someone or something is coming close to a location or moment, such as arriving at a destination or being on the verge of an event. This character can also imply looking over something, giving it a nuanced sense of proximity and immediacy.
Strokes9Radical丨Frequency#7971DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of approaching or facing something is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with the idea of being present and attentive, whether in social settings or during important events like festivals. The phrase 临近新年 (línjìn xīnnián - approaching the New Year) is commonly used during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down (临) at the ground below. The character's left component resembles a person (亻) and the right side suggests a landscape or horizon (凌), helping you remember that 'to face' or 'to arrive' has both a physical and metaphorical sense.
Meanings of 临
lín(lin2)
1to face
2to overlook
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
Play it, then pick what 临 means.
About 临
临Simplified
臨Traditional
9Strokes
丨Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#7971Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 临
Podcast: 临
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 临
Quick Contrast
临 (lín) vs 近 (jìn) — use 临 when emphasizing the act of facing or approaching something, while 近 focuses more on the general state of being near.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 临 with similar-sounding characters such as 领 (lǐng), which means to lead or receive. This character is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but in literature or poetry, it may carry a more elevated tone. Common collocations include 临近 (línjìn - to be near) and 临时 (línshí - temporary).
HSK Study Tips
临 is not included in the HSK vocabulary but relates closely to words that describe time and space, such as 到 (dào - to arrive) and 近 (jìn - near). Focus on the pronunciation and usage in phrases to strengthen your understanding, especially in conversational contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 临 with 领 (lǐng), leading to incorrect usage in phrases. For example, saying '我临这个工作' instead of '我领这个工作' is incorrect; the correct sentence should use 领 (lǐng - to receive or take).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 临
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 临 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 临 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 临?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 临 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
临 (lín) means to face or approach something. It is commonly used in contexts where someone or something is coming close to a location or moment, such as arriving at a destination or being on the verge of an event. This character can also imply looking over something, giving it a nuanced sense of proximity and immediacy.
When to use 临
Be careful not to confuse 临 with similar-sounding characters such as 领 (lǐng), which means to lead or receive. This character is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but in literature or poetry, it may carry a more elevated tone. Common collocations include 临近 (línjìn - to be near) and 临时 (línshí - temporary).
临 or something close to it
临 (lín) vs 近 (jìn) — use 临 when emphasizing the act of facing or approaching something, while 近 focuses more on the general state of being near.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 临 with 领 (lǐng), leading to incorrect usage in phrases. For example, saying '我临这个工作' instead of '我领这个工作' is incorrect; the correct sentence should use 领 (lǐng - to receive or take).
Write 临
临
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 临 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 临
临 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
When fortune smiled on him, he made the most of it.
10
在即将到来的选举中，我们将面临一场恶斗。
zài jí jiāng dào lái de xuǎn jǔ zhōng， ， wǒ mén jiāng miàn lín yī cháng è。
We'll face a tough fight in the upcoming election.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 临?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 临
Words Containing This Character20
面临miànlínto face sth面臨
临床línchuángclinical臨床
临时línshítemporary臨時
光临guānglínto attend光臨
来临láilínto approach來臨
降临jiànglínto descend降臨
临línto face臨
临近línjìnclose to臨近
临死facing death臨死
临终approaching one's end臨終
濒临bīnlínon the edge of瀕臨
临时工day laborer臨時工
亲临to go in person親臨
临界critical臨界
莅临to arrive (esp. of notable person)蒞臨
临头to befall臨頭
居高临下jūgāolínxiàto overlook居高臨下
临别on parting臨別
临界点critical point臨界點
临沂Linyi prefecture-level city in Shandong臨沂
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 临
What does 面临 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 临
临 is classified as an HSK level 7 character, which means it is generally taught at an advanced stage of Chinese language learning. At this level, learners are expected to understand more complex vocabulary and grammar structures.
Yes, 临 is often found in idioms and phrases that emphasize confrontation or directness. For instance, in the phrase '临危不乱' (lín wēi bù luàn), it conveys staying calm in a crisis. Exploring such expressions can enhance your understanding of the character's usage.
You can use 临 to describe approaching a situation or facing something directly. For example, you might say '我临近考试' (wǒ lín jìn kǎo shì), meaning 'I am approaching the exam.' It emphasizes the immediacy of the action.
临 (lín) means to face or overlook something. It can also imply arriving at a certain point in time or being just about to do something. The character is often used in contexts that indicate proximity or immediacy.
You can say '我们临近目的地' (Wǒmen línjìn mùdìdì - We are approaching our destination).
No, it can also refer to moments in time, like being just about to do something.
It can be used in both, but context may dictate a more formal tone in literature.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 临?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
