verb / adjective HSK 5
Traditional 親近
qīn jìn
to be close to · to be intimate with · intimate · close

Meaning

亲近 describes a close, warm relationship between people, or the act of drawing near to someone emotionally or physically. It implies genuine affection, familiarity, and trust. The word can be used as both a verb (to become close to, to approach intimately) and an adjective (close, intimate).

Usage

亲近 is commonly used to describe relationships with family members, close friends, or beloved figures. It emphasizes emotional warmth rather than mere physical proximity. Native speakers often use it when talking about children feeling close to parents, people bonding with others, or even humans connecting with nature or animals.

Examples

  1. 01
    这个孩子跟奶奶很亲近
    Zhège háizi gēn nǎinai hěn qīn jìn.
    This child is very close to his grandmother.
  2. 02
    周末我喜欢去公园亲近自然。
    Zhōumò xǐhuan gōngyuán qīn jìn zìrán.
    On weekends I like to go to the park to get close to nature.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 亲近自然
    qīn jìn rán
    to get close to nature
  • 亲近的人
    qīn jìn de rén
    close person, intimate
  • 和...亲近
    ... qīn jìn
    to be close with...

Antonyms

Origin

The compound combines 亲 (親, intimate/親親親親親 亲亲) and 近 (close/near) to create a meaning of emotional or relational closeness, literally 'intimately near.'

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