暂时

zànshí

temporary

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 暂时 (zànshí)

The word 暂时 is used to describe something that is temporary or for a short period of time. It often appears in contexts where a situation or condition is not permanent and may change soon.

Common contexts

  • Temporary states or conditions, such as living arrangements or work status.
  • Temporary inability or suspension, like not accepting orders or pausing an activity.
  • Reassuring someone that a problem or difficulty is only short-term.

Collocations and patterns

  • 暂时 (temporarily cannot): used to express inability for a short time.
  • 暂时 (temporarily live): describing temporary residence.
  • 暂时担心 (no need to worry temporarily): used to comfort or reassure.

Notes

  • 暂时 emphasizes the temporary nature but usually implies the situation will change soon.
  • It is more formal than some colloquial expressions for 'for now' or 'temporarily.'
  • Avoid confusing 暂时 with (permanent), as they are opposites.

This word is very useful in daily conversation and formal contexts when discussing temporary situations or conditions.

Example Sentences

我们暂时不能接受新的订单。

Wǒmen zànshí bùnéng jiēshòu xīn de dìngdān.

We cannot accept new orders temporarily.

他暂时住在朋友家里。

Tā zànshí zhù zài péngyǒu jiālǐ.

He is temporarily living at a friend's house.

这个问题暂时不用担心,我们会尽快解决。

Zhège wèntí zànshí bùyòng dānxīn, wǒmen huì jǐnkuài jiějué.

You don't need to worry about this problem for now; we will solve it soon.