What does 最近 mean in Chinese?

最近 (zuì jìn) means "recent; recently; these days; latest; soon; nearest (of locations); shortest (of routes)" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 3.

How do you pronounce 最近?

最近 is pronounced "zuì jìn" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 最近?

最近 is an HSK 3 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 3 on both the old and the new exam.

What characters make up 最近?

最近 is made up of the characters 最, 近. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 最近?

You can practice writing 最近 using our stroke order tool.

最近 (zuì jìn), recent

Characters in This Word

Definitions

recent
recently
these days
latest
soon
nearest (of locations)
shortest (of routes)

Example Sentences

我最近很忙。

Wǒ zuìjìn hěn máng

I've been very busy lately

Related Words

近期(jìn qī)· near in time

→

近日(jìn rì)· in the past few days

→

晚近(wǎn jìn)· most recent in the past

→

日内(rì nèi)· in a few days

→

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 3
HSK 2.0: HSK 3
HSK Lord study list: HSK 2 list

最近: HSK 3 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 3 exam

Studying for HSK 3? Keep 最近 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each word comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 3 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.