The word 临时 is formed by combining the character 临, which carries the meaning of "to face" or "to be just before/upon", with the character 时, meaning "time". The compound thus literally paints the picture of "facing (or being upon) a moment in time". This conceptual combination creates the sense of something happening at the immediate, current moment, leading to its meanings of "temporary", "at the time when needed", or "for the time being", as it describes a state or action tied directly to that specific, often unforeseen, occasion.