Comparing "linshi" and "zanshi"
临时 and 暂时 both are adjectives that mean temporary or for the time being and in many cases both can be used interchangeably. Both can be used in informal or formal settings. Yet, 临时 and 暂时 have differences, most notably two: first, only 临时 can be used to mean “provisional” in the sense of non-official or non-fixed; second, only 临时 can be used as an adverb to mean at the time when something happens.
| 临时 (línshí) | 暂时 (zànshí) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | temporary, for the time being, provisional, at the time when something happens | temporary, for the time being |
| Part of Speech | adjective, adverb | adjective |
| Formality | flexible | flexible |
