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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to be close to' with 近 (jìn)

    Description & Modification
    Location & Position

    Structure

    Subject + 近

    Explanation

    近 (jìn) means 'near,' 'close,' or 'to be close to' and describes a short physical or temporal distance. It is the opposite of 远 and is used in both literal and figurative senses.

    Examples

    • 超市离我家很近,走路五分钟就到了。

      chāoshì lí wǒ jiā hěn jìn, zǒulù wǔ fēnzhōng jiù dào le.

      The supermarket is very close to my home; it's just a five-minute walk.

    • 考试的日子越来越近了,我得抓紧复习。

      kǎoshì de rìzi yuèláiyuè jìn le, wǒ děi zhuājǐn fùxí.

      The exam date is getting closer and closer; I need to step up my review.

    • 近几年这个城市变化很大。

      jìn jǐ nián zhège chéngshì biànhuà hěn dà.

      This city has changed a lot in recent years.

    Expressing 'to be close to' with 近 (jìn) | Chinese Grammar