近

• Pinyin: jìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 近 = 辶 (walk) + 斤 (axe, phonetic component)

Meaning

Near; close. Describes a short physical distance or a close relationship in time or space.

Used to describe physical proximity, such as living near a place, as well as temporal closeness, like a date being near. Can also describe closeness in relationships or similarity.

Examples

1. 我家离学校很近。 My home is very close to the school.
2. 超市离这儿很近。 The supermarket is very close to here.
3. 考试的时间很近了。 The exam date is getting close.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, directions, time

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我家离公司很近。(My home is very close to the office.)
• 这两个地方很近。(These two places are very close.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'我和他很近'表示关系好 (Don't say 我和他很近 for close friendship — use 我和他关系很好 or 我和他很亲近 instead)

Origin & History

A phono-semantic compound: 辶 (walking) provides the meaning of movement or distance, while 斤 (axe) serves as the phonetic component.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal