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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'on the eve of departure' with 临行 (línxíng)

    Sequence & Order
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    临行 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The word 临行 (línxíng) means "on the eve of departure" or "just before leaving." It combines 临 (to be about to) with 行 (to go/travel) to describe the moment right before someone sets off on a journey. In the poem 游子吟, 临行密密缝 describes a mother sewing closely before her son's departure.

    Examples

    • 临行前，妈妈反复检查我的行李。

      lín xíng qián, māma fǎnfù jiǎnchá wǒ de xínglǐ.

      Before departure, my mother repeatedly checked my luggage.

    • 他临行时握着朋友的手，久久不愿放开。

      tā lín xíng shí wòzhe péngyǒu de shǒu, jiǔjiǔ bù yuàn fàngkāi.

      As he was about to leave, he held his friend's hand and was reluctant to let go for a long time.

    • 临行那天下着大雨，我们在车站告别。

      lín xíng nà tiān xiàzhe dàyǔ, wǒmen zài chēzhàn gàobié.

      On the day of departure, it was raining heavily, and we said goodbye at the station.

    Often Confused With

    Referring to 'on the eve of departure' with 临行 (línxíng) | Chinese Grammar