línshí: 临时 - Temporary, Provisional, Last-minute

• Keywords: 临时, linshi, Chinese for temporary, provisional Chinese, línshí meaning, last-minute in Chinese, temporary worker, interim solution, makeshift, ad hoc
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 临时 (línshí), a versatile term used to describe anything temporary, provisional, or done on short notice. From a “temp job” (临时工作) to a “last-minute decision” (临时决定), this HSK 4 word is fundamental for understanding daily life, business, and planning in China. This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage with clear examples to help you master its nuances.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): línshí
• Part of Speech: Adjective, Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: Pertaining to a short, limited time; temporary, provisional, or makeshift.
• In a Nutshell: `临时` is the go-to word for anything that isn't permanent. It captures the feeling of something being a placeholder, a stop-gap measure, or happening unexpectedly without much prior planning. Think of a “pop-up” shop, an “interim” manager, or a “last-minute” change of plans. It describes both the temporary nature of an object/arrangement and the impromptu nature of an action.

• 临 (lín): This character's original meaning is “to look down upon from above” or “to overlook.” By extension, it came to mean “to be close to,” “to arrive,” or “to face a situation.” Think of it as arriving at a specific moment in time.
• 时 (shí): This character is straightforward, meaning “time,” “moment,” or “hour.”

When combined, 临时 (línshí) literally means “to arrive at the time.” This creates the powerful idea of something being done *just for that specific moment* or put in place right when it's needed, hence its meaning of “temporary,” “provisional,” or “at the last minute.”

While “temporary” might seem like a simple concept, the frequent use of `临时` in China reflects a deep-seated cultural value of pragmatism and adaptability. In a country that has undergone immense and rapid change, the ability to create `临时` solutions—be it a makeshift bridge, an interim policy, or a last-minute business plan—is highly valued. In Western cultures, particularly in business, there is often a strong emphasis on long-term, permanent planning. The term “temporary” can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting instability or a lack of foresight (e.g., a “temp job” might be seen as less secure). In China, `临时` is far more neutral. It is often seen as a practical, intelligent response to a changing environment. It doesn't imply failure in planning; rather, it highlights the flexibility to deal with the reality at hand. This mindset of “solving the problem for now” is a key aspect of navigating life and business in modern China.

`临时` is incredibly common and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It functions primarily in two ways:

• As an Adjective (modifying a noun): It is placed directly before a noun to describe it as temporary or provisional.
  • `临时工作 (línshí gōngzuò)` - Temporary job
  • `临时通知 (línshí tōngzhī)` - Last-minute notice
  • `临时政府 (línshí zhèngfǔ)` - Provisional government
  • `临时措施 (línshí cuòshī)` - Interim measures
• As an Adverb (modifying a verb): It is placed before a verb to indicate that an action was done on short notice, impromptu, or as a temporary fix.
  • `临时决定 (línshí juédìng)` - to decide at the last minute
  • `临时取消 (línshí qǔxiāo)` - to cancel on short notice
  • `临时抱佛脚 (línshí bào fójiǎo)` - “to hug the Buddha's feet at the last minute”; a popular idiom for cramming for an exam or preparing for something at the eleventh hour.

The connotation of `临时` is generally neutral. It simply states a fact about the time-bound or unplanned nature of something.

• Example 1:
  • 我找到了一份临时工作。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhǎodàole yī fèn línshí gōngzuò.
  • English: I found a temporary job.
  • Analysis: Here, `临时` functions as a simple adjective modifying “job” (工作), just like “temporary” in English.
• Example 2:
  • 我们临时决定去看电影，所以没买到好座位。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen línshí juédìng qù kàn diànyǐng, suǒyǐ méi mǎidào hǎo zuòwèi.
  • English: We decided to go to the movies at the last minute, so we didn't get good seats.
  • Analysis: `临时` acts as an adverb, modifying “decide” (决定) to emphasize the spontaneity of the action.
• Example 3:
  • 由于大雨，我们在山里搭了一个临时避难所。
  • Pinyin: Yóuyú dàyǔ, wǒmen zài shān lǐ dāle yīgè línshí bìnànsuǒ.
  • English: Because of the heavy rain, we built a makeshift shelter in the mountains.
  • Analysis: This example shows `临时` used to mean “makeshift” or “provisional,” highlighting a solution created for an immediate need.
• Example 4:
  • 会议被临时取消了，很多人都白跑一趟。
  • Pinyin: Huìyì bèi línshí qǔxiāole, hěnduō rén dōu bái pǎo yī tàng.
  • English: The meeting was cancelled on short notice, and many people made the trip for nothing.
  • Analysis: The adverb `临时` modifies “cancelled” (取消), conveying the suddenness and lack of prior warning.
• Example 5:
  • 这是临时停车位，你最多只能停15分钟。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì línshí tíngchēwèi, nǐ zuìduō zhǐ néng tíng shíwǔ fēnzhōng.
  • English: This is a temporary parking spot; you can only park for 15 minutes at most.
  • Analysis: A very common and practical use of `临时` as an adjective in daily life.
• Example 6:
  • 公司的系统坏了，我们只能用一个临时方案。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī de xìtǒng huàile, wǒmen zhǐ néng yòng yīgè línshí fāng'àn.
  • English: The company's system is broken, so we can only use a provisional solution.
  • Analysis: This highlights the “stop-gap” or “interim” meaning of `临时` in a business or technical context.
• Example 7:
  • 他被任命为临时经理。
  • Pinyin: Tā bèi rènmìng wéi línshí jīnglǐ.
  • English: He was appointed as the interim manager.
  • Analysis: `临时` is used here in a formal context to mean “interim,” indicating a non-permanent official position.
• Example 8:
  • 考试前一天他才开始复习，真是临时抱佛脚。
  • Pinyin: Kǎoshì qián yī tiān tā cái kāishǐ fùxí, zhēnshi línshí bào fójiǎo.
  • English: He only started reviewing the day before the exam; that's truly cramming at the last minute.
  • Analysis: This showcases the use of `临时` within a very famous and useful idiom (成语).
• Example 9:
  • 老师临时有事，所以今天的课由代课老师来上。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī línshí yǒushì, suǒyǐ jīntiān de kè yóu dàikè lǎoshī lái shàng.
  • English: The teacher had something come up at the last minute, so today's class will be taught by a substitute.
  • Analysis: `临时有事` is a very common phrase meaning “something came up unexpectedly.”
• Example 10:
  • 这些只是临时规定，未来可能会有变动。
  • Pinyin: Zhèxiē zhǐshì línshí guīdìng, wèilái kěnéng huì yǒu biàndòng.
  • English: These are just provisional regulations; there may be changes in the future.
  • Analysis: Used in a legal or administrative context, `临时` means “provisional” or “temporary,” subject to change.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 临时 (línshí) and 暂时 (zànshí). Both can be translated as “temporary,” but they are not interchangeable.

• 临时 (línshí): Implies something is provisional, impromptu, makeshift, or arranged at the last minute. It often carries a sense of being unplanned or created for a specific, immediate purpose.
  • Focus: The impromptu or stop-gap nature of something.
  • Example: `我们临时改变了计划` (Wǒmen línshí gǎibiànle jìhuà) - We changed the plan at the last minute. (Focus on the suddenness).
• 暂时 (zànshí): Means “for the time being” or “for the moment.” It describes a temporary state of affairs, often with the expectation that things will eventually return to normal or change to a permanent state later. It lacks the “unplanned” or “makeshift” feeling of `临时`. `暂时` is almost always used as an adverb.
  • Focus: The temporary duration of a state.
  • Example: `我暂时住在这里` (Wǒ zànshí zhù zài zhèlǐ) - I'm living here for the time being. (Focus on the temporary nature of the living situation).

Common Mistake: Using `临时` for a planned, temporary situation.

• Incorrect: `这家商店从明天开始临时关门一周。` (This sounds like the decision to close was made suddenly today).
• Correct: `这家商店从明天开始暂时关门一周。` (Zhè jiā shāngdiàn cóng míngtiān kāishǐ zànshí guānmén yīzhōu.) - The shop will be temporarily closed for a week starting tomorrow. (This is a planned, temporary state).

In short: if it's sudden, unplanned, or a makeshift solution, use `临时`. If it's simply a state that is not permanent but has a known or unknown duration, use `暂时`.

• 暂时 (zànshí) - A crucial point of comparison. Means “for the time being” and refers to a temporary state, contrasting with the “impromptu” or “provisional” nature of `临时`.
• 永久 (yǒngjiǔ) - Antonym. Means “permanent” or “everlasting,” the direct opposite of `临时`.
• 临时工 (línshí gōng) - A specific and common noun using `临时`. Refers to a “temporary worker,” “temp,” or “contract worker.”
• 突然 (tūrán) - Related Adverb. Means “suddenly” or “abruptly.” Often used to describe a situation that necessitates a `临时` action.
• 即兴 (jíxìng) - Related Concept. Means “improvised” or “impromptu,” especially in the context of a speech or performance. While `临时` deals with practical arrangements, `即兴` deals more with creative acts.
• 随时 (suíshí) - Related Adverb. Means “at any time.” It relates to the flexibility implied by `临时` but focuses on the potential for action at any moment, not on the temporary nature of the action itself.
• 权宜之计 (quányízhījì) - Formal Idiom. Means “an expedient measure” or “a stop-gap solution.” This is a more formal way to express the idea of a `临时` plan.