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B1 noun #4,500 most common 14 min read

契机

qiji Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 契机 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 契机 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 契机 (qìjī) is quite advanced. You don't need to use it yourself yet, but you might see it in simple news headlines. Think of it as a 'very important chance.' Usually, at this level, you use the word 机会 (jīhuì) for 'opportunity.' For example, 'I have a chance to go to China' is '我有机会去中国.' But if that trip to China changed your whole life and made you decide to become a teacher, a Chinese speaker would call that trip a 契机. It is the 'big chance' that starts something new. Just remember: it's a special word for a big, important change. You will mostly see it in writing, not in daily talking with friends. Focus on learning '机会' first, and think of '契机' as its 'professional older brother' that you'll meet later.

At the A2 level, you are starting to see more formal words. You might encounter 契机 (qìjī) when reading about business or big events like the Olympics. It means 'turning point.' When something happens that makes a big change possible, that event is a 契机. For example, if a company starts selling products online, and because of that, they become very rich, the 'selling online' part is the 契机. You can try to recognize the phrase 以...为契机. This means 'taking [something] as a chance.' Even if you can't use it perfectly, knowing that it's a formal way to say 'opportunity' will help you understand news and articles. It’s always about one thing leading to another big thing. It’s not just luck; it’s a specific event that opens a door.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use 契机 (qìjī) in your writing and formal speaking. This word is perfect for describing a 'catalyst' or a 'pivotal moment.' Unlike '机会' (jīhuì), which is just a general chance, 契机 implies that an event has created the right conditions for a major development. You should practice the structure 以...为契机 (taking... as a turning point). For instance, '以这次合作为契机，我们建立了长期的关系' (Taking this cooperation as a turning point, we established a long-term relationship). This shows you understand the logical connection between the 'cooperation' and the 'long-term relationship.' It’s a very useful word for HSK 4 and 5 level essays where you need to explain the causes and effects of social or personal changes. It sounds much more sophisticated than just using '机会' over and over again.

At the B2 level, you are expected to distinguish between 契机 (qìjī), 时机 (shíjī), and 机遇 (jīyù). You should understand that 契机 is specifically about the 'trigger' or the 'mechanism' of change. When you analyze a situation, you use 契机 to identify the exact event that allowed a transformation to happen. For example, in a business case study, you might say that a change in government policy provided the 契机 for a startup's success. You should also be comfortable using adjectives with it, such as 绝佳的契机 (an excellent turning point) or 历史性的契机 (a historical turning point). In debates or presentations, using 契机 helps you construct a professional argument about how specific events can be leveraged for future progress. It’s a word that conveys strategic thinking and analytical depth.

At the C1 level, your use of 契机 (qìjī) should be precise and nuanced. You should understand its etymological roots—the 'trigger' of a mechanism—and use it to describe complex socio-political or economic shifts. In professional environments, you can use it to frame challenges as opportunities. For example, you might argue that a 'market crisis' is actually a '契机 for industrial upgrading.' This demonstrates a high level of rhetorical skill, as you are using the word to shift the perspective of your audience. You should also be able to recognize it in high-level literature and official government white papers, where it is used to describe the 'strategic window' of national development. At this level, you are not just using a word; you are using a concept to explain the causal dynamics of the world around you.

At the C2 level, 契机 (qìjī) is a tool for masterful communication. You can use it to weave complex narratives about historical necessity and strategic action. You understand that the word carries a weight of 'intended causality'—that a 契机 is not just found, but often 'created' or 'cultivated' through careful planning. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of change, or in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations to signal a pivot in policy. Your ability to pair it with sophisticated verbs like 创造 (create), 挖掘 (unearth), or 审视 (examine) shows a native-like grasp of register. For a C2 learner, 契机 is part of a larger vocabulary of 'change management' and 'strategic foresight,' allowing you to articulate the subtle 'tipping points' that define modern life and history with absolute clarity and authority.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

契机 in 30 Seconds

A formal word for a 'catalyst' or 'turning point' that triggers significant change.
Stronger and more strategic than the general word for opportunity (机会).
Commonly used in the structure '以...为契机' (taking... as a turning point).
Essential for professional, diplomatic, and academic communication in Chinese.

The Chinese term 契机 (qìjī) is a nuanced noun that translates most closely to 'crucial moment,' 'turning point,' or 'catalyst.' While many beginners initially confuse it with the more common word for opportunity, 机会 (jīhuì), 契机 carries a much heavier weight of significance. It specifically refers to a set of circumstances that triggers a major change, a breakthrough, or a new phase in a process. Think of it as the 'spark' that ignites a fire or the 'pivot' upon which a door swings open. In professional, academic, and formal contexts, this word is used to describe events that lead to development, reform, or a shift in direction.

Etymological Root: The character 契 (qì) historically refers to a contract or a carving made as a sign of agreement, while 机 (jī) originally referred to the trigger of a crossbow or a vital mechanism. Together, they suggest a 'triggering point' that aligns with a pre-existing condition or agreement.

以这次合作为契机，我们希望进一步扩大市场。 (Taking this cooperation as a turning point, we hope to further expand the market.)

In modern usage, you will frequently encounter 契机 in news reports regarding international relations, corporate strategies, and environmental policies. For example, a global crisis might be described as a 契机 for international cooperation, suggesting that the crisis itself provides the necessary pressure and context to force countries to work together. It implies that the opportunity didn't just happen by luck; it was created by the specific conditions of the moment. Unlike 机会, which can be small and personal (like an opportunity to eat cake), 契机 is almost always used for things that have a 'before and after' effect on a larger scale.

Common Collocation: The most common verb paired with this word is 以...为契机 (yǐ... wéi qìjī), which means 'taking [something] as a turning point/opportunity.'

新政策的出台为经济增长提供了新的契机。 (The introduction of the new policy provided a new catalyst for economic growth.)

Furthermore, 契机 is often used in the context of personal growth when reflecting on significant life events. A failure, for instance, is rarely just a 机会; it is a 契机 for reflection and self-improvement. It emphasizes that the failure was the specific trigger that forced the individual to change their mindset or habits. In this sense, 契机 carries a tone of positive transformation, even if the triggering event itself was neutral or negative. It is a word of strategic optimism, focusing on the potential for progress that arises from specific circumstances.

这次技术革命是传统行业转型的绝佳契机。 (This technological revolution is an excellent turning point for the transformation of traditional industries.)

Register and Tone: 契机 is a formal word. You would use it in a speech, a written report, or a serious discussion. Using it in very casual conversation with friends about small things (like a 'turning point' to go to the movies) might sound overly dramatic or slightly sarcastic.

我们要抓住这个历史契机，推动两国的文化交流。 (We must seize this historical opportunity to promote cultural exchange between the two countries.)

北京奥运会成为中国走向世界的重大契机。 (The Beijing Olympics became a major turning point for China to move towards the world.)

Using 契机 (qìjī) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a noun. It most often functions as the object of a verb or as part of a prepositional phrase. Because it implies a causal link between an event and a subsequent development, the sentence structure usually reflects this 'A leads to B' logic. The most common pattern is '以 A 为契机，B' (Taking A as a turning point, [result] B). This structure is essential for anyone aiming for a B1 level of proficiency or higher, as it allows for complex, logical expression in both writing and speaking.

Structure 1: Object of '抓住' (Zhuāzhù): To 'seize' or 'grab' a turning point. Used when an opportunity arises and action must be taken immediately.

企业需要敏锐地抓住市场变化的契机。 (Enterprises need to keenly seize the turning point of market changes.)

Another frequent usage is as the subject or object of the verb '提供' (tígōng - to provide). In this context, an external event or policy creates the conditions necessary for something else to happen. For example, 'The new law provided an opportunity for reform.' Here, the law is the source of the 契机. This highlights the word's role in describing systemic or environmental changes rather than just personal luck. It is very common in official documents and news reports to describe how a specific meeting or agreement 'provides a new 契机' for future cooperation.

Structure 2: '以...为契机' (yǐ... wéi qìjī): Taking [Event X] as a catalyst/turning point. This is the most formal and common way to use the word to show intent or planned development.

我们应当以这次交流为契机，增进彼此的了解。 (We should take this exchange as a turning point to enhance our mutual understanding.)

Furthermore, 契机 can be modified by various adjectives to specify the nature of the opportunity. Common modifiers include '历史性' (lìshǐxìng - historical), '绝佳的' (juéjiā de - excellent/perfect), '难得的' (nándé de - rare/precious), and '发展的' (fāzhǎn de - developmental). These adjectives help to emphasize the significance of the moment. For instance, a 'historical 契机' suggests a once-in-a-generation chance to change the course of history or a company's trajectory. Understanding these collocations allows a learner to use the word with the appropriate level of intensity.

这次失败成了他人生转折的重要契机。 (This failure became an important turning point in his life transition.)

Structure 3: '寻找/发现' (Xúnzhǎo/Fāxiàn): To look for or discover a turning point. This is often used in research, problem-solving, or market analysis.

科学家们正在寻找攻克这一难题的契机。 (Scientists are looking for a breakthrough moment to overcome this difficult problem.)

Finally, it is worth noting that 契机 is almost exclusively positive in its outcome, even if the origin is negative. You wouldn't usually use 契机 to describe a turning point that led to a disaster. Instead, it describes a situation that provides an 'opening' for improvement or success. This inherent positivity makes it a powerful word for motivation and strategic planning. When writing essays for the HSK exams or professional emails, using 契机 correctly can significantly elevate the perceived quality of your Chinese by demonstrating a grasp of formal logical connectors.

环境危机也是推动能源革命的契机。 (The environmental crisis is also a catalyst for promoting the energy revolution.)

The word 契机 (qìjī) is a staple of formal Chinese discourse. If you watch the evening news (新闻联播 - Xīnwén Liánbō), you will hear it almost daily. It is the language of diplomacy and high-level policy. Diplomats use it to describe how a state visit or a summit is a 'turning point' for better relations. For example, a reporter might say, '以两国元首会晤为契机，双方签署了多项协议' (Taking the meeting between the two heads of state as a catalyst, the two sides signed several agreements). In this context, the word adds a layer of official significance and suggests a deliberate, strategic move forward.

Context: Business and Economics: In the business world, 契机 is used during quarterly reports, product launches, or market analysis. It’s the word CEOs use to describe why they are entering a new market or changing their business model.

数字化转型为中小企业提供了发展的巨大契机。 (Digital transformation has provided a huge opportunity for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.)

You will also hear 契机 in academic lectures and social science discussions. When historians or sociologists analyze the causes of a revolution or a social shift, they look for the 契机—the specific event that triggered the latent forces of change. For instance, a professor might explain how the invention of the steam engine was the 契机 for the Industrial Revolution. This usage emphasizes the causal and mechanical nature of the word, highlighting it as the critical component that set a larger process in motion. In this environment, the word is used with precision to distinguish a primary cause from a secondary coincidence.

这次学术研讨会是加强国际科研合作的重要契机。 (This academic seminar is an important turning point for strengthening international scientific research cooperation.)

In the realm of personal development and self-help, 契机 appears in podcasts, motivational books, and interviews. Influencers and successful entrepreneurs often point to a single '契机' in their lives—a chance meeting, a failure, or a sudden realization—that changed everything. They use the word to frame their life stories, giving a sense of destiny or strategic insight to their success. It sounds more profound and thoughtful than saying they just got lucky. If you are listening to a biography or a TED-style talk in Chinese, keep an ear out for this word as a marker of the story's climax or turning point.

Context: Environmental and Social Issues: When discussing climate change or social justice, 契机 is used to frame crises as opportunities for systemic reform. It’s a way to discuss difficult topics with a focus on future solutions.

垃圾分类政策的实施是提高公民环保意识的契机。 (The implementation of the waste sorting policy is a catalyst for improving citizens' environmental awareness.)

Finally, in sports commentary, 契机 might be used to describe a moment in a game that changed the momentum. A penalty, a substitution, or a sudden injury to a key player can be the 契机 that allowed the opposing team to take control. Commentators use it to analyze the 'turning point' of the match. While slightly less common than in politics or business, it still adds a layer of analytical depth to the broadcast. In all these contexts, 契机 serves as a 'linking' word that connects a specific event to a broader consequence, making it indispensable for sophisticated communication.

对方球员的红牌成为了我队反攻的契机。 (The opposing player's red card became the turning point for our team's counter-attack.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is treating 契机 (qìjī) as a direct synonym for 机会 (jīhuì). While both can be translated as 'opportunity,' they are not interchangeable in many contexts. 机会 is a broad, neutral term that can apply to anything from 'an opportunity to grab lunch' to 'an opportunity to study abroad.' 契机, however, is far more specific. It requires a 'trigger' and a 'transformation.' Using 契机 for trivial matters sounds unnatural and 'over-the-top.' For example, saying '去超市买菜是一个契机' (Going to the supermarket to buy vegetables is a turning point) would confuse a native speaker unless that trip somehow led to a life-changing event.

Mistake 1: Misusing Register: Using '契机' in casual, everyday small talk. It is a formal word reserved for significant events.

❌ 我有一个契机去吃火锅。 (I have a 'crucial turning point' to eat hotpot.)
✅ 我有一个机会去吃火锅。 (I have an opportunity to eat hotpot.)

Another common mistake involves the grammatical structure. Beginners often forget that 契机 usually needs to be 'of something' or 'for something.' In English, we might say 'This is a great opportunity.' In Chinese, while you can say '这是一个很好的机会,' saying '这是一个很好的契机' feels incomplete. A native speaker would expect to hear *what* it is a turning point for. Is it a turning point for reform? For growth? For cooperation? Without the 'for what' (the purpose or the result), the word loses its causal power. Always try to pair it with a goal or a process.

Mistake 2: Missing the Causal Link: Using '契机' without specifying the change it triggers. It is a 'bridge' word, so you need both sides of the bridge.

❌ 这是一个难得的契机。 (This is a rare turning point [unspecified for what]).
✅ 这是一个推动改革的难得契机。 (This is a rare turning point for promoting reform.)

Confusion with 转折点 (zhuǎnzhédiǎn) is also frequent. While both mean 'turning point,' 转折点 is more neutral and simply marks a change in direction (which could be good or bad). 契机 almost always implies a *positive* opening or a catalyst that was *utilized* for progress. If a company goes bankrupt, that's a 转折点 (turning point) in its history, but you wouldn't call the bankruptcy a 契机 unless it specifically provided the spark for a successful restructuring. 契机 implies a sense of 'seizing the moment' to create a better outcome.

❌ 他的去世是家庭崩溃的契机。 (His death was the 'opportunity' for the family's collapse - sounds very strange/wrong).
✅ 他的去世是家庭命运的转折点。 (His death was the turning point of the family's fate.)

Finally, watch out for the verb pairing. Many students use '得到契机' (get a turning point), which is less common than '抓住契机' (seize), '提供契机' (provide), or '以...为契机' (take... as a turning point). Using the wrong verb can make the sentence feel 'clunky.' In formal writing, the '以...为契机' structure is the gold standard. Mastering this specific pattern will help you avoid the most common stylistic pitfalls associated with this high-level vocabulary word.

Mistake 3: Poor Collocation: Using '得到' (get) instead of '抓住' (seize) or '利用' (utilize). 契机 is something you act upon, not just something you receive passively.

To truly master 契机 (qìjī), it is helpful to compare it with several other words that occupy the same semantic space of 'opportunity' and 'change.' Understanding these distinctions will allow you to choose the most precise word for any given situation, which is a hallmark of advanced Chinese proficiency. The most obvious comparison is with 机会 (jīhuì), which we have already touched upon. Remember: 机会 is for any possibility of success, while 契机 is the specific event that *triggers* a larger transformation.

契机 vs. 机会 (jīhuì): 契机: A strategic catalyst or turning point leading to a major change. (Formal)
机会: A general opportunity or chance. (Neutral/Common)

他正在寻找一个表现自己的机会。 (He is looking for an opportunity to show himself.)

Another similar word is 时机 (shíjī). While 契机 emphasizes the 'trigger' or 'cause,' 时机 emphasizes the 'timing.' 时机 is about whether the moment is 'ripe' or 'appropriate' for action. For example, if you are waiting for the right time to ask for a raise, you are waiting for the right 时机. If a sudden company merger happens and you use that event to pitch a new department, the merger is the 契机. One is about the clock (timing), the other is about the event (catalyst).

契机 vs. 时机 (shíjī): 契机: The event that acts as a catalyst.
时机: The opportune moment or timing (the 'when').

现在不是进攻的最佳时机。 (Now is not the best timing for an attack.)

Then there is 转折点 (zhuǎnzhédiǎn), meaning 'turning point.' As mentioned before, this is a more neutral, descriptive term. It marks a point where a trend or a story changes direction. 契机 is more 'active'—it’s not just a point on a graph; it’s an opportunity that can be seized to drive progress. If you are writing a history paper, you might use 转折点 to describe the Battle of Stalingrad. If you are writing a policy paper on how to use a crisis to improve public health, you would use 契机.

契机 vs. 转折点 (zhuǎnzhédiǎn): 契机: An opportunity-based turning point (implies potential for growth).
转折点: A neutral point of change in direction (can be positive or negative).

Finally, in very formal or literary contexts, you might see 机遇 (jīyù). This word also means 'opportunity,' but it carries a sense of 'favorable circumstances + luck/destiny.' It is often used for large-scale historical or national opportunities, such as '抓住历史机遇' (seize historical opportunities). While 契机 is the 'trigger' for a specific change, 机遇 is the 'favorable environment' that allows for success. In a sentence like 'We must seize the 契机 of this meeting to grasp the 机遇 of global development,' the meeting is the specific spark (契机), and the global trend is the broader favorable environment (机遇).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '机' (jī) in '契机' is the same '机' in '手机' (cell phone) and '飞机' (airplane). It always implies some kind of mechanism or vital function. In '契机', it's the 'mechanism' of change.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ɕʰi˥˩ t͡ɕi˥

US t͡ɕʰi˥˩ t͡ɕi˥

The emphasis is slightly stronger on the first syllable 'qì' due to the 4th tone.

Rhymes With

地 (dì) 气 (qì) 记 (jì) 利 (lì) 衣 (yī) 西 (xī) 期 (qī) 稀 (xī)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' like a 'k' sound. It should be a 'ch' sound.
Pronouncing 'j' like a 'zh' or 'z' sound. It is a sharp 'j' as in 'jeep'.
Getting the tones backwards (1st then 4th). It must be 4th (falling) then 1st (high level).
Confusing 'qì' with 'qǐ' (3rd tone).
Confusing 'jī' with 'jí' (2nd tone).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts, but requires understanding of formal structures.

Writing 4/5

Using the '以...为契机' structure correctly is a sign of an advanced learner.

Speaking 4/5

Requires careful tone control and awareness of register to not sound overly dramatic.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable once the 'q' and 'j' sounds are mastered.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

机会 (jīhuì) 重要 (zhòngyào) 发展 (fāzhǎn) 合作 (hézuò) 变化 (biànhuà)

Learn Next

挑战 (tiǎozhàn) 转型 (zhuǎnxíng) 动力 (dònglì) 格局 (géjú) 战略 (zhànlüè)

Advanced

枢纽 (shūniǔ) 瓶颈 (píngjǐng) 倒逼 (dàobī) 切入点 (qiērùdiǎn) 里程碑 (lǐchéngbēi)

Grammar to Know

Prepositional construction '以...为...' (yǐ... wéi...)

以这次会议为契机 (Taking this meeting as a catalyst).

Noun modification with '的' (de)

发展的契机 (Opportunity for development).

Verb-Object Collocation

抓住契机 (Seize the opportunity).

Abstract Nouns as Subjects

契机已经成熟 (The turning point is ripe).

Using '成了' (chéngle) for transformation

危机成了契机 (The crisis became a catalyst).

Examples by Level

这是一次好的机会。

This is a good opportunity.

A1 uses '机会' instead of '契机' for simplicity.

我有机会去中国。

I have a chance to go to China.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

这是一个重要的时刻。

This is an important moment.

Using '时刻' (moment) as a stepping stone to '契机'.

他找到了一个机会。

He found an opportunity.

Basic past tense equivalent in Chinese.

这是一个学习的机会。

This is a learning opportunity.

Noun + 的 + Noun structure.

这次比赛是一个机会。

This competition is an opportunity.

Simple identification sentence.

我想要这个机会。

I want this opportunity.

Expressing desire with '想要'.

机会很重要。

Opportunity is very important.

Simple adjective predicate.

这次旅游是一个好的契机。

This trip is a good turning point.

Introducing '契机' as a noun meaning turning point.

我们要抓住这次契机。

We must seize this opportunity.

Using '抓住' (seize) with '契机'.

这个活动是一个交流的契机。

This activity is an opportunity for communication.

Using '契机' to describe the purpose of an event.

以这次会议为契机，我们开始合作。

Taking this meeting as a catalyst, we started to cooperate.

Introducing the '以...为契机' structure.

这对他来说是一个成长的契机。

For him, this is an opportunity for growth.

Using '对...来说' to indicate perspective.

失败也是一个成功的契机。

Failure is also a catalyst for success.

Abstract concept usage.

公司需要一个新的发展契机。

The company needs a new development opportunity.

Noun modifier '发展' (development).

我们要利用好这个契机。

We should make good use of this opportunity.

Using '利用' (utilize) with '契机'.

以新政策的出台为契机，该地区经济快速增长。

Taking the introduction of new policies as a catalyst, the region's economy grew rapidly.

Formal cause-and-effect structure.

这次危机成了企业转型的契机。

This crisis became the turning point for the company's transformation.

Using '成了' (became) to show transformation.

我们应当抓住历史契机，实现共同发展。

We should seize the historical opportunity to achieve common development.

Using formal adjective '历史' (historical).

这次学术访问是加强两校联系的契机。

This academic visit is a catalyst for strengthening the connection between the two schools.

Describing a specific event as a catalyst.

他把这次失败看作是反思的契机。

He viewed this failure as an opportunity for reflection.

Using '把...看作是' (view... as).

数字化为传统文化传播提供了新契机。

Digitalization provides a new catalyst for the spread of traditional culture.

Using '提供' (provide) with '契机'.

我们要寻找解决问题的关键契机。

We need to find the key turning point for solving the problem.

Using '寻找' (seek) with '关键' (key).

这次改革为社会进步创造了契机。

This reform created a catalyst for social progress.

Using '创造' (create) with '契机'.

以举办冬奥会为契机，冰雪运动在全国范围内普及。

Taking the hosting of the Winter Olympics as a catalyst, ice and snow sports became popular nationwide.

Describing a large-scale social shift.

这种技术的突破为产业升级提供了绝佳契机。

The breakthrough in this technology provided an excellent catalyst for industrial upgrading.

Using '绝佳' (excellent) to emphasize the quality of the 契机.

由于缺乏发展的契机，该项目暂时陷入了停滞。

Due to the lack of a catalyst for development, the project has temporarily stalled.

Using '由于' (due to) to explain a negative state.

我们要敏锐地捕捉市场中的每一个细微契机。

We must keenly capture every subtle turning point in the market.

Using '捕捉' (capture) and '敏锐' (keenly).

这次外交风波反而成了改善两国关系的契机。

This diplomatic storm unexpectedly became a catalyst for improving relations between the two countries.

Using '反而' (on the contrary) to show an unexpected positive outcome.

他一直在等待一个证明自己实力的契机。

He has been waiting for an opportunity to prove his strength.

Using '等待' (waiting) for a specific trigger.

环境治理不仅是挑战，更是绿色发展的契机。

Environmental governance is not only a challenge but also a catalyst for green development.

Using '不仅...更是' (not only... but even more) for emphasis.

我们要以此次审计为契机，全面提升管理水平。

We should take this audit as a catalyst to comprehensively improve management levels.

Using '全面提升' (comprehensively improve).

在经济全球化的背景下，我们要审时度势，抓住发展的战略契机。

In the context of economic globalization, we must assess the situation and seize strategic opportunities for development.

Using the idiom '审时度势' (assess the situation).

这次突发事件暴露出体制漏洞，也为深层改革提供了契机。

This sudden incident exposed systemic loopholes and also provided a catalyst for deep-seated reform.

Analyzing complex systemic issues.

通过这次跨国并购，公司获得了进入国际市场的关键契机。

Through this cross-border merger, the company gained a key catalyst for entering the international market.

Using '获得' (gain) in a corporate context.

我们应当以文化交流为契机，消除误解，增进互信。

We should take cultural exchange as a catalyst to eliminate misunderstandings and enhance mutual trust.

Using '消除' (eliminate) and '互信' (mutual trust).

历史的发展往往是由一些偶然的契机所推动的。

The development of history is often driven by some accidental catalysts.

Philosophical observation on history.

该项科研成果的发表，为攻克这一医学难题带来了新的契机。

The publication of this scientific research result brought a new catalyst for overcoming this medical challenge.

Using '带来' (bring) with '契机'.

我们要以落实协议为契机，开启双边关系的新篇章。

We should take the implementation of the agreement as a catalyst to open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Metaphorical use of '新篇章' (new chapter).

敏锐的洞察力能让我们在日常生活中发现不平凡的契机。

Keen insight allows us to discover extraordinary catalysts in daily life.

Abstract psychological description.

我们要紧紧抓住第四次工业革命带来的历史性契机，实现跨越式发展。

We must firmly seize the historical opportunity brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution to achieve leapfrog development.

Using high-level political/economic terminology like '跨越式发展'.

这次危机不仅是对治理能力的考验，更是倒逼制度创新的重要契机。

This crisis is not only a test of governance capacity but also an important catalyst for forcing institutional innovation.

Using the verb '倒逼' (to force/compel action).

在纷繁复杂的国际局势中，寻找合作的契机需要极大的政治智慧。

In the complex international situation, finding catalysts for cooperation requires great political wisdom.

High-level diplomatic commentary.

我们应当以构建人类命运共同体为契机，共同应对全球性挑战。

We should take the building of a community with a shared future for mankind as a catalyst to jointly address global challenges.

Using the sophisticated concept '人类命运共同体'.

文学作品的翻译不仅是语言的转换，更是文明互鉴的契机。

The translation of literary works is not just a conversion of language but also a catalyst for mutual learning between civilizations.

Using '文明互鉴' (mutual learning among civilizations).

这次产业结构的调整，为经济的高质量发展孕育了新的契机。

This adjustment of the industrial structure has nurtured new catalysts for high-quality economic development.

Using the verb '孕育' (to nurture/give birth to).

审视过去是为了更好地把握未来，每一个历史节点都是反思的契机。

Examining the past is to better grasp the future; every historical node is a catalyst for reflection.

Deep philosophical reflection.

我们要以这次技术革新为契机，彻底重塑企业的核心竞争力。

We should take this technological innovation as a catalyst to completely reshape the company's core competitiveness.

Using '重塑' (reshape) and '核心竞争力' (core competitiveness).

Synonyms

机遇机会转机时机

Antonyms

障碍危机

Common Collocations

抓住契机

提供契机

寻找契机

创造契机

以此为契机

历史契机

发展的契机

合作的契机

绝佳契机

改革的契机

Common Phrases

以...为契机

— Taking [something] as a catalyst/turning point. Used to link a cause to a planned effect.

以此次访问为契机。

错过契机

— To miss a crucial opportunity or turning point. Implies regret for not acting.

他错过了改变命运的契机。

契机已现

— The turning point has already appeared. Used when a situation is starting to shift.

和平的契机已现。

关键契机

— A key or critical catalyst. Emphasizes the importance of the specific event.

这是解决争端的关键契机。

难得的契机

— A rare or hard-to-come-by opportunity. Highlights the scarcity of the moment.

这是一个难得的契机。

新的契机

— A new catalyst or opening. Used when a fresh situation arises.

为双方关系带来新的契机。

转型的契机

— An opportunity for transformation. Common in business and personal growth.

这是公司转型的契机。

战略契机

— A strategic opportunity. Used in high-level planning and geopolitics.

抓住国家发展的战略契机。

政治契机

— A political opportunity or catalyst. Used in government and diplomacy.

这次选举是一个政治契机。

潜在的契机

— A potential catalyst. Something that might become a turning point if handled correctly.

发现潜在的合作契机。

Often Confused With

契机 vs 机会

机会 is more general; 契机 is a specific 'trigger' for change.

契机 vs 时机

时机 is about 'timing' (when); 契机 is about the 'event' (what catalyst).

契机 vs 转折点

转折点 is a neutral 'turning point'; 契机 is a positive 'opportunity catalyst.'

Idioms & Expressions

"审时度势"

— To judge the hour and size up the situation. Often used before '抓住契机'.

我们要审时度势，抓住契机。

Formal

"顺水推舟"

— To push a boat with the current. Using a 契机 to accomplish something easily.

他顺水推舟，利用这个契机完成了任务。

Neutral

"借风使船"

— To use the wind to sail the boat. Similar to utilizing a 契机.

我们要借风使船，抓住转型的契机。

Literary

"因势利导"

— To guide something according to its natural trend. A key skill in using a 契机.

管理者要因势利导，利用契机推动改革。

Formal

"随机应变"

— To act according to changing circumstances. Needed to identify a 契机.

在复杂的市场中，我们需要随机应变，寻找契机。

Neutral

"乘势而上"

— To take advantage of a favorable trend to move forward. Often follows a 契机.

抓住契机，乘势而上。

Formal

"机不可失"

— Opportunity knocks but once. Often said when a 契机 appears.

机不可失，我们要抓住这个契机。

Neutral

"转危为安"

— To turn danger into safety. A crisis can be the 契机 for this.

这次调整是公司转危为安的契机。

Formal

"化险为夷"

— To turn a dangerous situation into a favorable one. Similar to using a crisis as a 契机.

他利用这个契机化险为夷。

Formal

"否极泰来"

— After the extreme of bad luck comes good luck. The 'bottoming out' is the 契机.

现在正是公司否极泰来的契机。

Literary

Easily Confused

契机 vs 机会 (jīhuì)

Both translate to 'opportunity.'

机会 is any chance; 契机 is a pivotal catalyst for change. You can have a 'chance' to eat an apple, but not a '契机' to eat an apple unless it's life-changing.

我有机会去北京。 (Neutral) / 北京奥运会是中国发展的契机。 (Formal/Pivotal)

契机 vs 时机 (shíjī)

Both relate to favorable moments.

时机 is about 'the right time' (timing). 契机 is about 'the triggering event.'

现在是求婚的好时机。 (Right time) / 共同的爱好是他们成为朋友的契机。 (Triggering event)

契机 vs 机遇 (jīyù)

Both are formal words for opportunity.

机遇 emphasizes a favorable environment or luck. 契机 emphasizes the mechanism or the 'spark' that starts a process.

抓住时代给我们的机遇。 (Environment) / 他的话成了我创业的契机。 (Spark)

契机 vs 转折点 (zhuǎnzhédiǎn)

Both mean turning point.

转折点 is neutral and descriptive. 契机 is active and implies a positive opening that can be utilized.

1945年是历史的转折点。 (Neutral) / 这次会议是合作的契机。 (Positive/Active)

契机 vs 导火索 (dǎohuǒsuǒ)

Both are 'triggers.'

导火索 is usually negative (the cause of a war or fight). 契机 is almost always positive or leads to positive change.

那次争吵是离婚的导火索。 (Negative) / 那次争吵是他们互相理解的契机。 (Positive result)

Sentence Patterns

这（不）是一个契机。

这不是一个好的契机。

以...为契机，[结果]。

以这次合作为契机，我们赚了很多钱。

[事件]是...的契机。

这次失败是成功的契机。

我们要抓住...的契机。

我们要抓住技术创新的契机。

[主体]为...提供了契机。

新政策为就业提供了契机。

以此为契机，进一步[动作]。

以此为契机，进一步加强交流。

在...中寻找...的契机。

在危机中寻找发展的契机。

[事件]倒逼了...，从而成为...的契机。

这次事故倒逼了安全检查，从而成为完善制度的契机。

Word Family

Nouns

契机 (turning point)

契约 (contract)

机制 (mechanism)

机遇 (opportunity)

机会 (chance)

Verbs

契合 (to fit/agree)

契入 (to penetrate/enter into)

Adjectives

契合的 (fitting/harmonious)

转折点 (turning point)

媒介 (medium/catalyst)

动力 (driving force)

诱因 (incentive/trigger)

突破 (breakthrough)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, business, and formal writing. Less common in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '契机' for trivial, everyday events. → Using '机会' for small things.
Saying 'I had a 契机 to buy bread' is like saying 'I had a strategic catalyst to purchase a loaf.' It's too formal.
Using '契机' without a following result. → Always specify what the 契机 is for.
A 'turning point' must lead somewhere. Don't just say 'This is a 契机'; say 'This is a 契机 for our cooperation.'
Confusing '契机' with '导火索' (fuse/negative trigger). → Use '契机' for positive openings, '导火索' for negative explosions.
Don't say 'The accident was a 契机 for the war.' Use '导火索' for war.
Mispronouncing the 'q' in 'qì'. → Pronounce it like 'ch' in 'cheese' with a sharp falling tone.
If you say 'kì', native speakers will not understand you. The 'q' sound is very specific in Pinyin.
Using '得到契机' instead of '抓住/提供契机'. → Use more active verbs like '抓住' (seize) or '把握' (grasp).
While '得到' isn't strictly wrong, it sounds passive and less professional than the standard collocations.

Tips

Upgrade your Vocabulary

Whenever you are writing a formal essay and want to say 'opportunity,' check if you can use '契机' instead. If the opportunity leads to a significant change, '契机' is the better, more professional choice.

The 'Bridge' Rule

Think of '契机' as a bridge. It connects a cause (an event) to an effect (a change). When you use the word, make sure your sentence clearly shows both sides of the bridge.

Business Etiquette

In a Chinese business environment, using '契机' shows that you are a strategic thinker. It suggests that you don't just see events as random, but as moments that can be leveraged for the company's benefit.

News Listening

Watch CCTV-4 or read People's Daily (人民日报). You will see '契机' used in almost every report about international meetings. This is the best way to see how the word functions in its natural habitat.

The Crossbow Image

Remember the character '机' comes from 'crossbow trigger.' A '契机' is that tiny piece of wood you pull to release a massive amount of energy. It's small but powerful.

Tone Accuracy

The 4th tone on 'qì' is sharp and decisive. Practice saying it like you are making a strong point. 'Qì!' This matches the word's meaning of a 'decisive moment.'

Structure is Key

Master the '以...为契机' pattern. It is one of the most useful formal structures in Chinese. If you can use it correctly, your writing level will instantly seem higher.

契机 vs. 机会

If you can replace the word with 'chance' and it still sounds okay, use '机会.' If you would rather use 'catalyst' or 'turning point,' use '契机.'

Strategic Optimism

Chinese culture values finding the '契机' in difficult times. Using this word often carries a connotation of being proactive and finding hope in challenges.

HSK 5/6 Tip

In the HSK writing section, if the prompt is about social change or personal success, try to include '契机' to gain extra points for 'high-level vocabulary usage.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Qì' as a 'Key' (sounds slightly similar) and 'Jī' as a 'Gears' (mechanism). A '契机' is the 'Key to the Gears' of change. When you turn the key, the whole machine starts moving.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant crossbow. The '契机' is the small trigger. Once you pull it, the huge arrow (the change) flies forward with great force.

Word Web

Opportunity Catalyst Breakthrough Change Strategic Formal Trigger Turning Point

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using '以...为契机' about a major change in your life, such as moving to a new city or starting a new job.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '契' (qì) and '机' (jī). In ancient Chinese, '契' referred to carvings on wood or bone used as contracts or records of agreement. '机' originally referred to the trigger of a crossbow, the most vital part that releases stored energy.

Original meaning: The combination suggests a 'triggering mechanism' that aligns with a specific condition or agreement, leading to a release of action.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

It is a very safe, positive, and formal word. No specific sensitivities.

English speakers often use 'catalyst' or 'turning point.' '契机' is slightly more positive than 'turning point' and more formal than 'chance.'

Used frequently in the 'Government Work Report' (政府工作报告) in China. Appears in many business strategy books by Asian authors. Common in news headlines regarding the 'Belt and Road Initiative'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Strategy

市场转型的契机
抓住投资契机
提供发展契机
以此为契机扩大规模

Diplomacy

改善关系的契机
以此为契机签署协议
寻找和平契机
历史性的外交契机

Personal Growth

人生的重大契机
反思的契机
成长的契机
改变命运的契机

Scientific Research

技术突破的契机
寻找实验契机
发现研究契机
以此为契机深入探索

Environmental Policy

推行绿色的契机
环境治理的契机
能源改革的契机
以此为契机提高意识

Conversation Starters

"你认为这次新政策对我们的行业来说是一个契机吗？ (Do you think this new policy is a catalyst for our industry?)"

"你生活中最重要的一个成长契机是什么？ (What was the most important growth catalyst in your life?)"

"我们如何才能以这次失败为契机来改进我们的工作？ (How can we take this failure as a catalyst to improve our work?)"

"你觉得数字货币的兴起是一个金融改革的契机吗？ (Do you think the rise of digital currency is a catalyst for financial reform?)"

"这个项目是否能成为我们进入国际市场的契机？ (Can this project become our catalyst for entering the international market?)"

Journal Prompts

反思过去一年中，哪个事件成为了你改变习惯的契机？请详细描述。 (Reflect on which event in the past year became the catalyst for you to change a habit. Please describe in detail.)

如果你是一家公司的CEO，你会如何利用当前的经济形势作为公司转型的契机？ (If you were a CEO, how would you use the current economic situation as a catalyst for company transformation?)

探讨一次失败如何能成为成功的契机。 (Discuss how a failure can become a catalyst for success.)

写一篇关于你学习汉语的契机的小短文。 (Write a short essay about the catalyst for you to learn Chinese.)

你认为科技进步是解决环境问题的契机还是挑战？ (Do you think technological progress is a catalyst or a challenge for solving environmental problems?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. It sounds too dramatic. For small things like 'a chance to go to the movies,' use '机会.' Reserved '契机' for major changes like career shifts or national reforms.

'因为' (yīnwèi) simply means 'because.' '以...为契机' means 'taking [something] as a strategic opportunity to do [something else].' It implies intent and planning, not just a simple cause.

Yes, in most cases. Even if the triggering event is negative (like a crisis), the word '契机' focuses on the positive opportunity for change that the event provides.

The most common way is '抓住契机' (zhuāzhù qìjī) or '把握契机' (bǎwò qìjī).

Yes, it frequently appears in HSK 5 and HSK 6 reading and writing sections as a formal vocabulary item.

No, it is strictly a noun. You must use it with verbs like '提供' (provide), '抓住' (seize), or '成为' (become).

No, like all Chinese nouns, it doesn't change for plural. You can say '一个契机' (one) or '许多契机' (many).

The most common structure is '以 [Event] 为契机，[Action/Result].'

Less so than '机遇.' It implies a causal mechanism. While there might be some luck involved in the event happening, '契机' focuses on the event's role as a trigger.

Absolutely. It's a very common way to describe the triggers of historical shifts, like 'The Industrial Revolution was a 契机 for social change.'