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接近 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
接近jiējìnto approachHSK 5, v, rank #1353, Medium
接近jiējìnto get close toHSK 5, v, rank #1353, Medium
jiējìn(jie1jin4) T1
  1. 1to approach
  2. 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.

Frequency#1353DifficultyMedium
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
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1353Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 接近

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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.

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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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Component Characters

jiēto receive
HSK 311 strokes
View full entry
jìnnear
HSK 27 strokes
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Write 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

Complete the Sentence

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 yǒu xiē bù hǎo jiē jìn, , dàn wǒ què xìn tā xiǎng biǎo xiàn dé yǒu hǎo yī。

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 1922, nián , gōng xué de zhù cè xué shēng shù16,000。

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 jiǔ jīng nóng dù hěn gāo, , yǒu shí jiē jìn bō ěr tú pú táo jiǔ de nóng。

It is very alcoholic, sometimes near the strength of port.
4
罗马昨天气温接近(华氏)三位数。

luó mǎ zuó tiān qì wēn jiē jìn( ( huá) shì ) sān。

The thermometer nudged three figures yesterday in Rome.
5
注意看那只猫正悄悄地接近老鼠.

zhù yì kàn nà zhī māo zhèng qiǎo qiǎo dì jiē jìn lǎo shǔ.

Watch that cat stealing up on the mouse.
6
人类在接近各个星球,探索新的天体。

rén lèi zài jiē jìn gè gè xīng qiú, , tàn suǒ xīn de tiān。

Man was drawing closer to the stars, opening new worlds.
7
当他们接近起止线时,普罗斯特猛向右转,两辆车并排驶过了终点。

dāng tā mén jiē jìn qǐ zhǐ xiàn shí, , pǔ luó sī tè měng xiàng yòu, zhuǎn , liǎng liàng chē bìng pái shǐ guò le。

As they reached the start-finish line Prost jinked right and drew abreast.
8
接近华氏100度的高温让他们感觉酷热难耐。

jiē jìn huá shì100 100 dù de gāo wēn ràng tā mén gǎn jué kù rè nán。

They sweltered in temperatures rising to a hundred degrees.
9
今晚投票的结果很难预料,双方实力可能会很接近,这令人紧张不安。

jīn wǎn tóu piào de jié guǒ hěn nán yù liào, , shuāng fāng shí lì kě néng huì hěn jiē, jìn , zhè líng rén jǐn zhāng。

Tonight's knife-edge vote could be uncomfortably close.
10
现在的失业人数已接近300万。

xiàn zài de shī yè rén shù yǐ jiē jìn300 300。

Unemployment is now a whisker away from three million.

Cultural Notes for 接近

🏮Cultural insight

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.

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.