附近

• Pinyin: fù jìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 附 = 阝(hill/place) + 付 (deliver) — to be attached or near; 近 = 辶 (walk) + 斤 (axe) — close by

Meaning

Nearby; in the vicinity; close to a location. Refers to the area surrounding a particular place.

One of the most common location words in Chinese. Used to indicate proximity to a referenced place. Often follows a noun to describe what is near it: 学校附近 (near the school), 这附近 (around here). Can function as a noun (the vicinity) or a location modifier.

Examples

1. 我家附近有一个很大的超市。 There is a big supermarket near my home.
2. 附近有没有地铁站？ Is there a metro station nearby?
3. 学校附近开了一家新的咖啡店。 A new coffee shop opened near the school.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, location

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 请问附近有药店吗？(Excuse me, is there a pharmacy nearby?)
• 公园附近有很多小吃摊。(There are many snack stalls near the park.)

Don't Say

• 他是我的附近 (Don't use 附近 to describe people — it describes physical proximity of places; say 他住在我家附近 for 'he lives near my home')

Origin & History

附 (to attach/be near, from 阝hill + 付 deliver) + 近 (close, from 辶 walk + 斤 axe). A compound reinforcing the concept of proximity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal