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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.
Frequency#3381DifficultyMedium
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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 临时
临时Simplified
臨時Traditional
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Complete the Sentence
当好运来____，他充分把握住了。
When fortune smiled on him, he made the most of it.
Hundreds of junior civil servants have to be put up in hotel rooms and temporary hostels.
Cultural Notes for 临时
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 临时
临时 refers to arrangements made at short notice, while 暂时 indicates a temporary state that may not be urgent.
Yes, but it is more common in informal settings; in formal contexts, consider using 临时性 (línshíxìng) for a more formal tone.
You could say: '这个临时工作让我学到了很多' (This temporary job taught me a lot).
