Both 临时 (línshí) and 暂时 (zànshí) talk about something not being permanent. However, they are used in different situations. Let's break it down simply:

1. 临时 (línshí) - "Temporary" / "For Now" / "Impromptu"

• Focus: It describes something arranged quickly or for a short time because of a sudden need or change. It often feels unplanned or makeshift.

• Think: "For this immediate situation," "as a quick fix," "not the regular or planned one."

• Common Uses:

• 我们临时决定去看电影。(Wǒmen línshí juédìng qù kàn diànyǐng.) - We decided to go see a movie on the spur of the moment.

• 他临时有事，不能来了。(Tā línshí yǒushì, bù néng lái le.) - He suddenly has something to do (came up), so he can't come.

• 临时工 (línshí gōng) - temporary worker (hired for a short job)

• 临时会议 (línshí huìyì) - impromptu meeting (called suddenly)

• 临时停车 (línshí tíngchē) - temporary parking (stopping briefly)

• 临时方案 (línshí fāng'àn) - temporary solution / stopgap measure

• 临时 + Noun: Describes a person or thing used as a substitute or quick solution.

• 临时 + Verb: Doing something on the spur of the moment.

• Feeling: Unplanned, improvised, substitute, provisional.

2. 暂时 (zànshí) - "Temporarily" / "For the Time Being"

• Focus: It describes a state or situation that will not last forever, but it is the current state. It emphasizes that this is only for a short period and things will change later. It feels more neutral about why it's temporary.

• Think: "For now," "at the moment," "not permanently."

• Common Uses:

• 请暂时等一下。(Qǐng zànshí děng yīxià.) - Please wait for a moment / temporarily.

• 电脑暂时坏了。(Diànnǎo zànshí huài le.) - The computer is broken for the time being.

• 我暂时住在中国。(Wǒ zànshí zhù zài Zhōngguó.) - I live in China temporarily (for now).

• 这个问题暂时解决了。(Zhège wèntí zànshí jiějué le.) - This problem is solved for now.

• 暂时 + Verb/Adjective: Describes an action or state that is happening now but won't continue long-term.

• 放在动词前 (Before the verb): This is the most common position.

• Feeling: Current state, short duration, will change eventually.

Key Difference Summary

Simple Way to Remember

• Use 临时 (línshí) when talking about something quickly arranged, substitute, or unplanned (like a temporary worker or a sudden decision).

• Use 暂时 (zànshí) when talking about a situation or state that is only for now and will change later (like waiting a moment or something being broken currently).

Examples Showing the Difference

1. 电脑坏了 (Diànnǎo huài le - The computer is broken):

• 我们用临时电脑吧。(Wǒmen yòng línshí diànnǎo ba.) - Let's use a temporary computer (e.g., a spare one we found quickly).

• 电脑暂时坏了。(Diànnǎo zànshí huài le.) - The computer is broken for the time being (it's the current state).

2. 他不能来 (Tā bù néng lái - He can't come):

• 他是临时工，今天休息。(Tā shì línshí gōng, jīntiān xiūxi.) - He is a temporary worker, he has the day off today. (Describes his job type - substitute/not permanent staff)

• 他暂时不能来。(Tā zànshí bù néng lái.) - He temporarily can't come. (Describes his current state/availability - now he can't, but later he might)