To approach or come within a short distance of a place or person.
Near, close, recent, almost, or intimate. An axe (斤) cutting a short walking path (辶) brings things close.
近
Common Usage & Traps
- 最近 — recently, lately
- 附近 — nearby, in the vicinity
- 近处 — nearby place, close by
- 走近 — to walk close to, approach
- 近路 — shortcut
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近我离我近In Chinese, 'near me' is expressed as 离我近 (lí wǒ jìn), not 近我.
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很近的很近When used as a main description, 近 does not need 的; 很近 alone means 'is very close'.
What is the difference between 近 and 进?
近 means 'near' (distance), while 进 means 'enter' or 'advance' (movement inward).
Both characters are pronounced jìn, but they have different meanings and characters. 近 (with 辶) relates to proximity or closeness. 进 (with 辶 and 井) means to enter or go forward. Mixing them up can cause confusion, especially in phrases like 最近 (recently) vs 最进 (which is incorrect).
| Dimension | 近 | 进 |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | near, close | enter, advance |
| Example | 附近 (nearby) | 进来 (come in) |
| Common mistake | Writing 近 for 'enter' | Writing 进 for 'near' |
Can 近 be used alone as a word?
Yes, 近 can stand alone as an adjective meaning 'near' or 'close', but it is often used in compounds.
In modern Chinese, 近 is frequently used in fixed expressions like 最近, 附近, and 近处. However, it can also function as a standalone adjective, especially in comparisons or descriptions, e.g., 我家离学校很近 (My home is very close to school). Learners should note that in some contexts, a verb like 离 is needed to show distance.
| Dimension | Standalone | Bound |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | As adjective: 很近 | In compounds: 最近, 附近 |
| Example | 公园离这儿很近。 | 我最近很忙。 |
| Note | Often requires 离 to indicate distance from something | Meaning may be idiomatic, not literal |
Appears in Stories 5 stories
Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.
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电视新闻说， 附近 的森林大火已经烧了三天。
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科学家说，受影响的不只是森林里的动物和植物，还有 附近 的城市。
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新闻里还说， 最近 这些年，美国西部每年都出现的森林大火是气候变化的结果。
In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.
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最近 我每周都游两三次，但看电影是我最大的爱好！
This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.
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A：哎，你 最近 怎么很少来体育场锻炼啊？
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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近年来 ，中国关于方便面的各种说法几乎全部都是“方便面是一种不健康的食物，是垃圾食物”。
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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胡之适接过饼干，微笑着拿起一个便吃，脸上现出 近几年 来很少见的欢愉。
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