靠近

• Pinyin: kào jìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 靠 = 告 (tell) + 非 (not), meaning to rely on; 近 = 辶 (walk) + 斤 (axe), originally meaning close distance

Meaning

To approach; to get close to; to be near. To move closer to something or someone.

Can describe physical proximity or metaphorical closeness. Used both as a verb meaning to approach and as a preposition meaning near or close to. Common in giving directions, describing locations, or discussing relationships.

Examples

1. 请不要靠近危险区域。 Please do not approach the dangerous area.
2. 他慢慢靠近她，小声说了几句话。 He slowly approached her and whispered a few words.
3. 我们住的地方靠近市中心，很方便。 The place where we live is close to the city center, very convenient.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, directions, physical space

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你能靠近一点吗？我听不清。(Can you come closer? I can't hear clearly.)
• 那家餐厅靠近地铁站。(That restaurant is near the subway station.)

Don't Say

• 我靠近了解他。(Don't use 靠近 for getting to know someone — use 接近 or 了解)

Origin & History

靠 (kào, lean on/depend) + 近 (jìn, near/close). Together they mean to move closer or to be near.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal