近来

• Pinyin: jìn lái
• Hanzi breakdown: 近 = 辶 (walk) + 斤 (axe), meaning near; 来 = simplified from 來, meaning come

Meaning

Recently; lately; of late.

Refers to a period of time close to the present, similar to 最近 but slightly more formal. Often used in written language or formal speech. Can cover a range from the past few days to the past few weeks.

Examples

1. 近来工作太忙，都没时间好好休息。 I've been too busy with work lately to get proper rest.
2. 近来他的身体状况有所改善。 His health condition has improved somewhat recently.
3. 近来市场上出现了很多新品牌。 Many new brands have appeared on the market lately.

Usage Guide

Context: formal speech, writing, news

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 近来怎么样？(How have you been lately?)
• 近来物价上涨得很快。(Prices have been rising quickly lately.)

Don't Say

• 近来五年前 (近来 refers to recent time, not the distant past — use 五年前 alone for 'five years ago')

Origin & History

Compound of 近 (near, close) + 来 (come), meaning the time that has come near.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal