B1 adjective Neutral

临时

[lin˧˥ ʂɨ˧˥]

Temporary; provisional; for a short time only.

Examples

3 of 5
1

公司租了一个临时的办公室。

The company rented a temporary office.

2

我们需要一个临时的替代方案。

We need a temporary alternative solution.

3

我临时有点事,不能去吃饭了。

Something came up at the last minute; I can't go to dinner.

Word Family

Adverb
临时地
Adjective
临时的
💡

Memory Tip

临 (arrive) + 时 (time) = arriving at the time (last minute).

Quick Quiz

由于天气原因,航班被___取消了。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 临时

Examples

1

公司租了一个临时的办公室。

business

The company rented a temporary office.

2

我们需要一个临时的替代方案。

academic

We need a temporary alternative solution.

3

我临时有点事,不能去吃饭了。

informal

Something came up at the last minute; I can't go to dinner.

4

会议通过了一项临时决议。

formal

The meeting passed a provisional resolution.

5

由于停电,路灯开了一盏临时的灯。

everyday

Due to a power outage, a temporary light was set up on the street.

Word Family

Adverb
临时地
Adjective
临时的

Common Collocations

临时工 temporary worker
临时通知 last-minute notice
临时措施 temporary measure
临时安排 temporary arrangement
临时取消 to cancel at the last minute

Common Phrases

临时抱佛脚

to start working at the last minute (cramming)

临时政府

provisional government

临时出差

temporary business trip

Often Confused With

临时 vs 暂时

暂时 is more about the duration (for now), while 临时 often implies something unplanned or provisional.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this to describe temporary jobs or last-minute changes in plans.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid confusing with '立刻' (immediately). 临时 describes the status of the action/object, not the speed.

💡

Memory Tip

临 (arrive) + 时 (time) = arriving at the time (last minute).

📖

Word Origin

From '临' (to arrive/be at) and '时' (time).

Grammar Patterns

临时 + verb 临时 + 的 + noun

Quick Quiz

由于天气原因,航班被___取消了。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 临时

Related Phrases

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