将近 jiāngjìn almost
almost; nearly; close to
How to remember 将近: 将 going to + 近 close = almost.
Characters
How it is used
- "Close to / nearly" a number, approaching from below: 将近一百人 (jiāngjìn yìbǎi rén) nearly a hundred people.
- Implies just under the figure, not over; contrast 大约 (dàyuē, about, either side).
- Register is slightly formal; common in reports and statistics.
Example sentences
- 汤姆在公园的长椅上坐了将近三个小时。 Tāngmǔ zài gōngyuán de zhǎngyǐ shàng zuò le jiāngjìn sāngè xiǎoshí.Tom sat on that park bench for nearly three hours.