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接近 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
接近
jiējìn
to approach
HSK 5, v, 18 strokes, rank #1353, Hard
接近
jiējìn
to get close to
HSK 5, v, 18 strokes, rank #1353, Hard
jiējìn(jie1jin4)jie jin T1
1to approach
2to get close to
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March 24, 2026
接近jiējìn(jie1jin4)
接近 (jie1 jin4) means to approach or get close to something or someone, both physically and metaphorically. It is often used in contexts where one is nearing a point, idea, or relationship, emphasizing the idea of closeness or proximity.
Strokes18Frequency#1353DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 接近 can reflect social dynamics, such as the importance of maintaining close relationships with family and friends. This is evident in the context of festivals and gatherings where proximity is valued.
Memory tip
Think of 接近 as 'getting close' by picturing a person reaching out to touch something just within their grasp. The character 接 (jie) looks like a hand reaching out, while 近 (jin) resembles a person crouching close to the ground, reinforcing the concept of closeness.
Meanings of 接近
jiējìn(jie1jin4)
1to approach
2to get close to
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 接近
接近Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1353Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 接近
Podcast: 接近
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AI study notes for 接近
Quick Contrast
接近 (approach) vs 靠近 (get close) — use 接近 for metaphorical closeness, while 靠近 emphasizes physical proximity.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 接近 with 亲近 (qin1 jin4), which has a more intimate connotation. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, so be mindful of the tone when discussing sensitive topics. Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 接近 connects well with other vocabulary regarding relationships and interactions. Focus on its usage in both literal and figurative senses, and practice forming sentences that incorporate other HSK 5 words related to proximity and relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 接近 with the similar-sounding 结束 (jie2 shu4), which means 'to end.' For example, saying '我接近了会议' (I approached the meeting) instead of '我接近了问题' (I approached the problem) can lead to confusion about the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 接近
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接近 (jie1 jin4) means to approach or get close to something or someone, both physically and metaphorically. It is often used in contexts where one is nearing a point, idea, or relationship, emphasizing the idea of closeness or proximity.
When to use 接近
Common mistakes include confusing 接近 with 亲近 (qin1 jin4), which has a more intimate connotation. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, so be mindful of the tone when discussing sensitive topics. Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.
接近 or something close to it
接近 (approach) vs 靠近 (get close) — use 接近 for metaphorical closeness, while 靠近 emphasizes physical proximity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 接近 with the similar-sounding 结束 (jie2 shu4), which means 'to end.' For example, saying '我接近了会议' (I approached the meeting) instead of '我接近了问题' (I approached the problem) can lead to confusion about the intended meaning.
Write 接近
接
近
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Grammar patterns of 接近
接近 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她有些不好____，但我确信她想表现得友好一些。
She was somewhat unapproachable but I'm sure she wanted to be friendly.
Example sentences for 接近 (10)
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1
她有些不好接近，但我确信她想表现得友好一些。
tā yǒuxiē bù hǎo jiējìn， dàn wǒ quèxìn tā xiǎng biǎoxiàn de yǒuhǎo yìxiē。
She was somewhat unapproachable but I'm sure she wanted to be friendly.
2
到1922年，公学的注册学生数接近16,000。
dào1922 nián， gōng xué de zhùcè xuéshēng shù jiējìn16,000。
By 1922 the public schools had an enrolment of nearly 16,000 students.
3
它的酒精浓度很高，有时接近波尔图葡萄酒的浓度。
tā de jiǔjīng nóng dù hěn gāo， yǒushí jiējìn Bō ěr tú pútaojiǔ de nóng dù。
It is very alcoholic, sometimes near the strength of port.
Tonight's knife-edge vote could be uncomfortably close.
10
现在的失业人数已接近300万。
xiànzài de shīyè rénshù yǐ jiējìn300 wàn。
Unemployment is now a whisker away from three million.
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Frequently asked questions about 接近
Yes, 接近 can refer to getting close to someone romantically, but be aware of the nuances as it may imply a more casual approach.
Yes, while both mean 'to approach,' 接近 can imply a broader context of getting close in ideas or relationships, whereas 靠近 typically refers to physical proximity.
You can say '我接近了我的目标' (I approached my goal) to illustrate its use in achieving something.
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