临时 línshí as the time draws near
as the time draws near; at the last moment; temporary; interim; ad hoc
How to remember 临时: 临 to approach + 时 time = as the time draws near.
Characters
How it is used
- Marks something arranged suddenly, without advance planning: 临时决定 (a last-minute decision), 临时通知 (short-notice announcement), 临时工 (temp worker).
- Works as an adverb before a verb - 临时改变计划, changed the plan at the last minute - or as an attributive before a noun.
- Differs from 暂时 (zànshí), which just means "for now, not permanently" without any last-minute flavor - 暂时住在朋友家 (staying at a friend's for now) has no ad hoc sense.
Example sentences
- 正式工比临时工要好。 Zhèngshìgōng bǐ línshígōng yào hǎo.A permanent job is better than a temporary one.