臨 (lín) - To face, confront & to approach, be near

臨Tone 2

lín ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

臨 · lín

To face, confront;

to approach, be near;

to look down from above;

to copy, imitate;

on the point of, just about to;

to govern, rule.

To face, confrontto approach, be nearto look down from above

Usage highlights

Face a situationCopy calligraphyApproach deathTemporaryOn the verge ofLook down from above

Synonyms

  • 对— face, toward
  • 面— face, confront
  • 近— approach, near

Antonyms

  • 背— turn away from
  • 离— leave, depart from

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We face a difficult challenge (面临挑战).
  • He is about to graduate (即将毕业).
  • She copied ancient calligraphy (临摹书法).
  • The emperor governed the country (临朝听政).

Collocations

  • Face a situation(面临)
  • Copy calligraphy(临摹)
  • Approach death(临死)
  • Temporary(临时)
  • On the verge of(临到)
  • Look down from above(临高)

Idioms

  • Face danger with courage(临危不惧)
  • Improvise according to circumstances(临机应变)
  • Hastily prepare when needed(临渴掘井)
  • Temporarily embrace Buddha's feet(临时抱佛脚)
  • Command troops personally(临阵磨枪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a person looking down at objects, conveying the meaning of overseeing or supervising.
  • In calligraphy, '临摹' refers to the practice of copying masterworks to learn technique.
  • Used in imperial contexts for rulers governing or inspecting (临朝, 临政).
  • Carries connotations of dignity and authority when facing situations.

FAQ