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March 24, 2026
临时(臨時)línshí(lin2shi2)
临时 (línshí) refers to something that is provisional or not permanent, often used in contexts where arrangements are made at the last minute or are intended to be temporary. This word is commonly used in everyday situations, such as temporary job positions or arrangements made on short notice.
Strokes16Frequency#3381DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, making 临时 decisions is common in fast-paced environments such as business or urban life, reflecting flexibility and adaptability in social interactions and work settings.
Memory Tip
Think of 临 (lín) as standing on the edge, ready to take action at a moment's notice, while 时 (shí) resembles a ticking clock, emphasizing time. Together, they depict the urgency of making decisions in a temporary context.
Meanings of 临时
línshí(lin2shi2)
1at the instant sth happens
2temporary
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 临时
临时Simplified
臨時Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
区别词distinguishing word (dist.)Part of Speech
#3381Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 临时
Podcast: 临时
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AI Study Notes for 临时
Quick Contrast
临时 (línshí) vs 暂时 (zànshí) — use 临时 for last-minute or provisional arrangements, while 暂时 implies a temporary state that may be planned or intended for a longer duration.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 临时 with 常规 (chángguī), which means 'regular' or 'routine.' 临时 is more informal and often used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 临时工作 (temporary job) and 临时措施 (temporary measures).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 临时 connects to other vocabulary related to time and situations, such as 及时 (jíshí, timely) and 暂时 (zànshí, temporarily). Focus on practicing its usage in contexts involving last-minute decisions or temporary arrangements.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 临时 with 固定 (gùdìng, fixed), mistakenly using it where permanence is implied, e.g., saying '这个是临时工作' when they mean 'this is a permanent job.' The correct wording should emphasize the temporary aspect only where appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 临时
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“at the instant sth happens” in Chinese is临时línshí
临时 (línshí) refers to something that is provisional or not permanent, often used in contexts where arrangements are made at the last minute or are intended to be temporary. This word is commonly used in everyday situations, such as temporary job positions or arrangements made on short notice.
When to use 临时
Be careful not to confuse 临时 with 常规 (chángguī), which means 'regular' or 'routine.' 临时 is more informal and often used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 临时工作 (temporary job) and 临时措施 (temporary measures).
临时 or something close to it
临时 (línshí) vs 暂时 (zànshí) — use 临时 for last-minute or provisional arrangements, while 暂时 implies a temporary state that may be planned or intended for a longer duration.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 临时 with 固定 (gùdìng, fixed), mistakenly using it where permanence is implied, e.g., saying '这个是临时工作' when they mean 'this is a permanent job.' The correct wording should emphasize the temporary aspect only where appropriate.
Write 临时
临
时
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Grammar Patterns of 临时
临时 carries 6 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
当好运来____，他充分把握住了。
When fortune smiled on him, he made the most of it.
