In 15 Sekunden
- Actively grabbing a lucky break or a big life opportunity.
- Combines the English word 'chance' with the Japanese verb 'to grab'.
- Used in business, sports, and personal goals to show proactive effort.
Bedeutung
It means grabbing a lucky moment or a big break before it disappears. Think of it like catching a fast-moving ball with your bare hands instead of just watching it fly by.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Encouraging a friend before a job interview
これは大きなチャンスだから、しっかりつかんでね！
This is a huge chance, so make sure you seize it!
A professional athlete reflecting on their career
私はあの時、ようやくチャンスをつかみました。
At that time, I finally seized the opportunity.
Texting a friend about a concert ticket
最後のチケット、チャンスをつかんで買ったよ！
I seized the chance and bought the last ticket!
Kultureller Hintergrund
While Japanese culture traditionally emphasizes patience, 'chansu o tsukamu' highlights the importance of 'kiai' (fighting spirit). It became especially popular in business and sports contexts during the late 20th century. It reflects a more proactive, Western-influenced approach to success.
The 'Kikai' Alternative
If you are in a very formal business setting, swap `chansu` for `kikai`. It means the same thing but sounds more 'Japanese' and less like a loanword.
Don't Just 'Take' It
Avoid using the verb `toru` (to take) with `chansu`. While understandable, `tsukamu` is the natural partner for this phrase. It implies more effort!
In 15 Sekunden
- Actively grabbing a lucky break or a big life opportunity.
- Combines the English word 'chance' with the Japanese verb 'to grab'.
- Used in business, sports, and personal goals to show proactive effort.
What It Means
This phrase is all about action. It describes the moment you recognize a lucky break. Then, you reach out and take it. In Japanese, chansu is a loanword from English. It feels modern and dynamic. The verb tsukamu means to physically grab or seize. Together, they create a strong image. You aren't just waiting for luck. You are actively claiming it for yourself.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase in many ways. The most common is chansu o tsukamu. If you already grabbed it, say chansu o tsukanda. If you want to encourage someone, say chansu o tsukande!. It works with almost any noun that represents a goal. You might say yume o tsukamu to mean 'seize your dream.' It is a very versatile and positive expression.
When To Use It
Use this when talking about big life moments. Maybe you got a job interview at a top company. Or perhaps you finally got a chance to talk to your crush. It is perfect for business meetings or sports pep talks. If you see a limited-time sale on those shoes you love, that counts too! It implies that the window of time is short. You have to act fast.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for small, everyday tasks. You don't chansu o tsukamu to buy milk at the store. That sounds way too dramatic! Also, don't use it if the outcome was purely passive. If you won the lottery by accident, you didn't really 'seize' it. You just got lucky. This phrase requires your effort and intent. Don't use it for negative things either. You wouldn't 'seize the opportunity' to get a cold.
Cultural Background
Japan often values 'en' or 'un' (fate and luck). However, modern Japanese culture also loves a good success story. This phrase is a staple in 'shonen' manga and anime. It represents the hero's journey of working hard and taking risks. It reflects a shift toward individual agency in modern Japan. Even in a society that values harmony, people admire those who can grab their own destiny.
Common Variations
You will often hear the opposite: chansu o nogasu. This means to let an opportunity slip through your fingers. Another variation is chansu o mono ni suru. This is a bit more idiomatic. It means to successfully make an opportunity your own. If you want to sound more formal, use kikai instead of chansu. Both work, but chansu sounds more exciting and energetic.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is safe to use in almost any social setting. It is neutral in formality. Just remember that it requires a sense of 'grabbing' or 'acting'—it's not for passive luck.
The 'Kikai' Alternative
If you are in a very formal business setting, swap `chansu` for `kikai`. It means the same thing but sounds more 'Japanese' and less like a loanword.
Don't Just 'Take' It
Avoid using the verb `toru` (to take) with `chansu`. While understandable, `tsukamu` is the natural partner for this phrase. It implies more effort!
The Goddess of Opportunity
Japanese people often say the Goddess of Opportunity only has hair in the front. If you don't grab her as she approaches, you can't catch her from behind. That's why you must `tsukamu` immediately!
Beispiele
6これは大きなチャンスだから、しっかりつかんでね！
This is a huge chance, so make sure you seize it!
Using 'shikkari' (firmly) adds extra encouragement.
私はあの時、ようやくチャンスをつかみました。
At that time, I finally seized the opportunity.
The past tense 'tsukanda' is used here for a completed action.
最後のチケット、チャンスをつかんで買ったよ！
I seized the chance and bought the last ticket!
A bit dramatic, showing excitement over a small victory.
最後の唐揚げをつかむチャンスを逃した...
I missed the chance to grab the last piece of fried chicken...
Uses the opposite 'nogasu' for a funny, relatable failure.
夢をつかむために、私は日本に来ました。
I came to Japan to seize my dream.
Replacing 'chansu' with 'yume' (dream) makes it more poetic.
次のプロジェクトでチャンスをつかみましょう。
Let's seize the opportunity in the next project.
Using the polite 'mashou' form for a group suggestion.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase 'seize the opportunity'.
絶好のチャンスを___。
'Tsukanda' is the past tense of 'tsukamu' (to grab), which is the standard verb for this collocation.
Which particle is used to mark 'chance' as the object of the action?
チャンス___つかむ。
The particle 'o' (を) is used to indicate the direct object of the verb 'tsukamu'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Chansu o Tsukamu'
Used with friends or when talking to yourself.
チャンス、つかんだぞ！
Standard way to say it in most daily situations.
チャンスをつかみました。
Using 'kikai' instead of 'chansu' for business reports.
好機を逸することなく掴みました。
Where to Seize the Opportunity
Job Hunting
Getting a dream job offer.
Romance
Asking someone out at the right moment.
Sports
Scoring a goal in the final minute.
Shopping
Buying a rare item before it sells out.
Aufgabensammlung
2 Aufgaben絶好のチャンスを___。
'Tsukanda' is the past tense of 'tsukamu' (to grab), which is the standard verb for this collocation.
チャンス___つかむ。
The particle 'o' (を) is used to indicate the direct object of the verb 'tsukamu'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Häufig gestellte Fragen
11 FragenYes, it is! It is written in Katakana as チャンス. It is one of the most common loanwords in Japanese.
Not really. Chansu o tsukamu implies you did something to get it. For the lottery, you would use ataru (to hit/win).
Chansu usually implies a lucky or positive break. Kikai is more neutral and just means 'opportunity' or 'occasion'.
You use the verb nogasu. So, chansu o nogashita means you missed it.
Absolutely! You will hear it in almost every sports or battle anime when the hero is about to make a big move.
Yes! If you finally get a moment alone with someone you like, you are chansu o tsukamu to ask them out.
Yes, it is neutral enough. However, kikai o eru (to obtain an opportunity) might sound slightly more professional.
It means to grab, seize, or catch something physically, like a hand or a rope.
Yes, if it's a really rare or limited sale, saying you 'grabbed the chance' sounds natural and excited.
Not really a slang version, but young people might just say chansu! when something good happens without the verb.
No, it sounds proactive and positive. It shows you have a strong will and are ready to work hard.
Verwandte Redewendungen
チャンスを逃す
to miss an opportunity
チャンスを待つ
to wait for a chance
機会を伺う
to watch for an opportunity (patiently)
夢を掴む
to seize one's dream
