最近

• Pinyin: zuì jìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 最 = 曰 (say) + 取 (take), meaning 'the most'; 近 = 辶 (walk) + 斤 (axe, phonetic), meaning 'near'

Meaning

Recently; lately; nearest. Used to refer to a period close to the present time, or the closest in distance.

Primarily used as a time adverb meaning 'recently' or 'these days.' Can also mean 'nearest' in terms of physical distance. Very common in daily conversations when talking about recent events or asking about someone's current situation.

Examples

1. 你最近怎么样？ How have you been recently?
2. 最近天气越来越热了。 The weather has been getting hotter and hotter lately.
3. 我最近在学做饭。 I've been learning to cook recently.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, greeting

Tone: conversational

Do Say

• 你最近忙不忙？(Have you been busy lately?)
• 我最近身体不太好。(I haven't been feeling well recently.)

Don't Say

• 在最近我去了北京。(Don't put 在 before 最近 — just say 最近我去了北京 or 我最近去了北京.)

Origin & History

Compound of 最 (most/extreme) and 近 (near/close), literally 'most near' — i.e., the nearest point in time or space.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal