接近 jiējìn to approach
to approach; to get close to
How to remember 接近: 接 receive + 近 close = to approach.
Characters
How it is used
- To approach / get close to - 接近成功 (jiējìn chénggōng) close to succeeding; 接近尾声 nearing the end.
- Closing the distance in space, time, quantity, or relationship (数字接近一百 close to a hundred; 接近他 get close to him). Both verb and adjective 'close/similar'.
- Distinguish from 靠近 (kàojìn, to move physically near/lean toward): 接近 is broader and more often figurative.
Example sentences
- 我等了接近半小时。 Wǒ děng le jiējìn bànxiǎoshí.I was kept waiting for nearly half an hour.
- 总统很难接近。 Zǒngtǒng hěn nánjiējìn.The president is difficult to approach.
- 会议接近了尾声。 Huìyì jiējìn le wěishēng.The meeting has almost ended.