adjective / verb HSK 2
near · close · to approach · recent
Meaning
近 is a fundamental word meaning 'near' or 'close' in terms of physical distance, time, or relationships. It can function as an adjective describing proximity or as a verb meaning 'to approach' or 'to get close to.' It's one of the most essential words for describing spatial and temporal relationships.
Usage
Native speakers use 近 constantly in everyday conversation to describe anything nearby. It often appears in the pattern 离...近 (lí...jìn) meaning 'close to/from...' and pairs with 远 (yuǎn, far) as a natural opposite. When describing time, 最近 (zuìjìn) means 'recently' or 'lately' and is extremely common.
Examples
- 01我家离学校很近，走路只要五分钟。, .My home is very close to school, it only takes five minutes to walk.
- 02最近天气变冷了。.The weather has gotten colder recently.
Common collocations
- 离...近...close to/from...
- 很近very close
- 不近不远neither close nor far
- 近期recently, in the near future
Antonyms
Origin
The character 近 combines the radical 辶 (walk/movement) with 斤 (axe), suggesting the idea of approaching or getting close through movement.