临 (lín) – just before, on the point of

Pattern

• 临 + Verb + （的时候 / 前），Clause
• 临 + Noun（如：临睡、临别、临行）

Usage

• Comes before a verb (often single-syllable like 走, 睡, 别) to show the moment just before an action happens; commonly used as 临……时 / 临……前.

Examples

1. 1

   临走那天，父亲从老家赶来送我们。

   Lín zǒu nà tiān, fùqin cóng lǎojiā gǎn lái sòng wǒmen.

   On the day we were about to leave, my father hurried over from our hometown to see us off.

2. 2

   临睡前别喝太多咖啡。

   Lín shuì qián bié hē tài duō kāfēi.

   Don't drink too much coffee right before going to bed.