临

• Pinyin: lín
• Hanzi breakdown: 临 = simplified from 臨 (look down upon, approach)

Meaning

To face; to approach; to be about to. As a preposition, on the verge of, at the time of.

Describes being at the point of something happening, facing a situation, or copying calligraphy from a model. Also indicates physical or temporal proximity to something.

Examples

1. 临别之际，她依依不舍。 As they were about to part, she couldn’t bear to say goodbye.
2. 这座房子临街而建。 This house was built right along the street.
3. 学书法要先从临帖开始。 To learn calligraphy, you should start by copying model scripts.

Usage Guide

Context: moments, positions, calligraphy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 临考前她复习到深夜。(Before the exam she reviewed until late at night.)
• 我们临危不惧，沉着应对。(We faced danger without fear and responded calmly.)

Don't Say

• 我临了书 — 临 with books specifically means copying calligraphy; for reading use 读

Origin & History

临 = 臣 (minister) + 品 (look down upon)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal