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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'temporarily' with 临时 (línshí)

    Description & Modification
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    临时 + Verb/Noun

    Explanation

    临时 (línshí) means 'temporarily,' 'ad hoc,' or 'last-minute' and describes something that is not permanent or was arranged on short notice. It functions as an adverb or adjective and is placed before the verb or noun it modifies. Common collocations include 临时工 (temporary worker) and 临时决定 (last-minute decision).

    Examples

    • 今天下雨了，我们临时改变了计划。

      jīntiān xiàyǔ le, wǒmen línshí gǎibiàn le jìhuà.

      It rained today, so we temporarily changed our plans.

    • 公司招了几个临时工来帮忙搬货。

      gōngsī zhāo le jǐ gè línshígōng lái bāngmáng bān huò.

      The company hired a few temporary workers to help move goods.

    • 这个会议是临时通知的，很多人没来。

      zhège huìyì shì línshí tōngzhī de, hěn duō rén méi lái.

      This meeting was announced on short notice, so many people didn't come.

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