When you see an opportunity and you want to use it, you can use 趁机. It means you are taking advantage of a situation.
For example, if it starts raining and you have an umbrella, you can 趁机 offer to share it with someone you want to talk to.
Or, if your boss is in a good mood, you might 趁机 ask for a raise.
It's all about making the most of a moment!
趁机 in 30 Seconds
- seize the chance
- take advantage
- exploit opportunity
§ Don't confuse 趁机 with 借机 (jièjī)
While both 趁机 (chènjī) and 借机 (jièjī) mean 'to seize an opportunity,' there's a subtle but important difference. 趁机 (chènjī) implies taking advantage of an existing situation or a fleeting chance. It's often used when the opportunity arises spontaneously. 借机 (jièjī), on the other hand, suggests using an existing event or situation as a pretext or excuse to do something, sometimes with a planned or deliberate intention behind it. Think of 趁机 as more reactive and 借机 as more proactive or strategic.
- DEFINITION
- 趁机 (chènjī): to seize the opportunity; to take advantage of an existing situation.
- DEFINITION
- 借机 (jièjī): to use an opportunity (as an excuse or pretext); to take advantage of an occasion.
Let's look at some examples:
他趁机溜走了。(Tā chènjī liūzǒu le.)
He took the opportunity to slip away. (The opportunity arose spontaneously, perhaps when no one was looking.)
他借机向老板表达了他的不满。(Tā jièjī xiàng lǎobǎn biǎodá le tā de bùmǎn.)
He took the opportunity (used it as an excuse) to express his dissatisfaction to the boss. (He used an existing meeting or situation as a platform for his planned complaint.)
§ Using 趁机 with negative connotations
While 趁机 can be neutral, it often carries a slightly negative or opportunistic connotation, implying taking advantage of a situation for personal gain, sometimes at someone else's expense. It's not always negative, but be mindful of the context.
小偷趁机偷走了他的钱包。(Xiǎotōu chènjī tōuzǒu le tā de qiánbāo.)
The thief took the opportunity to steal his wallet. (Clearly a negative action.)
老板趁机涨价。(Lǎobǎn chènjī zhǎngjià.)
The boss took the opportunity to raise prices. (This implies taking advantage of a situation, possibly unfairly.)
§ Incorrect grammatical placement
As an adverb, 趁机 usually comes before the verb phrase it modifies. Placing it incorrectly can sound awkward or unnatural.
Correct: 他趁机学习中文。(Tā chènjī xuéxí Zhōngwén.) He took the opportunity to study Chinese.
Incorrect (awkward): 他学习中文趁机。(Tā xuéxí Zhōngwén chènjī.)
Always aim to place 趁机 before the action that is being taken advantage of.
§ Overusing 趁机 when simpler alternatives exist
Sometimes, a simpler expression like 'then' or 'at that time' might be more appropriate if the nuance of 'seizing an opportunity' isn't strongly intended. Don't force 趁机 if it doesn't fit the context perfectly.
他看到了一个老朋友，趁机打了个招呼。(Tā kàndào le yī ge lǎopéngyou, chènjī dǎ le ge zhāohū.)
He saw an old friend and took the opportunity to say hello. (Here, 趁机 works well because it implies he actively seized the chance to greet them.)
However, consider this:
下雨了，我回家了。(Xià yǔ le, wǒ huí jiā le.)
It rained, so I went home.
Using 趁机 here (趁机回家 - 'took the opportunity to go home') would sound odd unless there's a specific reason going home at that moment was an 'opportunity' (e.g., to avoid a task). Often, a simple causal link is enough.
§ Understanding 趁机 (chènjī)
Alright, let's talk about 趁机 (chènjī). This word is super practical in Chinese, and you'll hear it a lot. It means 'to seize an opportunity' or 'to take advantage of a situation.' It's about acting quickly when a good chance presents itself, or even when a situation allows for something, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation, like taking advantage of a loophole.
- DEFINITION
- to seize the opportunity; to take advantage of
Here’s an example so you can see it in action:
他趁机离开了房间。
Translation hint: He seized the opportunity to leave the room. (He took advantage of the situation to leave the room.)
§ Similar Words and Key Differences
You might be thinking, "Are there other words for 'opportunity' or 'taking advantage'?" Absolutely. Let's break down 趁机 (chènjī) compared to some common alternatives.
机会 (jīhuì) - opportunity, chance
机会 (jīhuì) is a noun. It simply means 'opportunity' or 'chance.' It's the thing you seize. 趁机 (chènjī) is an adverb, meaning 'to seize an opportunity,' which implies action. You *have* a 机会, and you *趁机* do something.
我正在等待一个好的机会去学习。
Translation hint: I am waiting for a good opportunity to study.
他趁机问了几个问题。
Translation hint: He took the opportunity to ask a few questions.
抓住机会 (zhuāzhù jīhuì) - to grasp an opportunity
This phrase is very similar in meaning to 趁机 (chènjī) when 趁机 implies actively seizing a chance. However, 抓住机会 is more direct and focuses specifically on the act of 'grasping' or 'catching' the opportunity. 趁机 can be more general, sometimes implying a less active, more responsive action, or even a slightly opportunistic one.
你应该抓住机会学习新技能。
Translation hint: You should grasp the opportunity to learn new skills.
利用 (lìyòng) - to utilize, to make use of
利用 (lìyòng) is a verb meaning 'to utilize' or 'to make use of.' While 趁机 (chènjī) implies utilizing a *chance* or *opportunity*, 利用 can be used for utilizing anything – resources, time, or even people. It's a broader term. When used with a situation, it can sometimes carry a stronger negative nuance of exploitation, more so than 趁机, which can be neutral or slightly negative.
他利用了他的关系网。
Translation hint: He utilized his network (connections).
小偷趁机溜走了。
Translation hint: The thief took the opportunity to slip away.
趁着 (chènzhe) - taking advantage of (time/condition)
趁着 (chènzhe) is also an adverbial structure, very close to 趁机 (chènjī). The main difference is that 趁着 often focuses on a temporary state, condition, or period of time. 趁机 specifically emphasizes seizing an 'opportunity' (机). You can say 趁着天气好 (chènzhe tiānqì hǎo - taking advantage of the good weather) or 趁着年轻 (chènzhe niánqīng - while young). While you *could* say 趁着机会, 趁机 is more concise and common for 'seizing an opportunity.'
趁着休息时间，我读了一会儿书。
Translation hint: Taking advantage of the break time, I read for a while.
§ When to Use 趁机 (chènjī)
So, when should you pick 趁机 (chènjī)?
When someone quickly takes advantage of a specific chance or opening.
When the action is a direct response to a favorable situation, often implying a quick or even sneaky move.
It can sometimes have a slightly negative or neutral connotation, depending on the context – think 'opportunistic.' For example, someone might 趁机 (chènjī) gossip when the boss isn't around, or 趁机 (chènjī) leave early.
Keep practicing these words in context, and you'll get the hang of their subtle differences. Good luck!
Fun Fact
The character 机 (jī) is also used in words like 机会 (jī huì, opportunity) and 危机 (wēi jī, crisis), highlighting its connection to moments of change or importance.
Difficulty Rating
short
short
short
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What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
趁机 can be used before a verb phrase to indicate that an action is taken to seize a favorable opportunity.
他趁机逃走了。(He took the opportunity to escape.)
When using 趁机, the subject usually performs the action immediately after the opportunity arises.
老师不在，学生们趁机玩了起来。(The teacher wasn't there, so the students seized the chance to play.)
It can often be followed by a verb that describes the action taken, like 学习 (to study), 休息 (to rest), or 离开 (to leave).
我趁机学习了一些新知识。(I took the opportunity to learn some new knowledge.)
趁机 can imply that the opportunity might be fleeting or unexpected.
下雨了，他们趁机回家了。(It rained, and they took the opportunity to go home.)
Sometimes, 趁机 can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting someone is taking advantage of a situation in a self-serving way, though this isn't always the case.
小偷趁机偷走了他的钱包。(The thief seized the opportunity to steal his wallet.)
Examples by Level
他趁机逃走了。
He escaped by seizing the opportunity.
我趁机休息了一下。
I took a break when I had the chance.
小偷趁机偷走了我的钱包。
The thief took the opportunity to steal my wallet.
我们趁机拍了很多照片。
We took a lot of photos while we had the chance.
她趁机问了我一些问题。
She used the opportunity to ask me some questions.
我趁机吃了点东西。
I ate something when I had the chance.
他们趁机离开了。
They left when they had the chance.
老师不在，学生们趁机玩耍。
The teacher was not here, so the students took the opportunity to play.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
他趁机溜走了。
He seized the opportunity to slip away.
我趁机问了几个问题。
I took the opportunity to ask a few questions.
我们应该趁机多学习。
We should seize this opportunity to learn more.
别错过，趁机做吧。
Don't miss it, take the opportunity to do it.
她趁机表达了她的看法。
She took the opportunity to express her opinion.
大家趁机拍照留念。
Everyone seized the opportunity to take pictures as a souvenir.
他趁机找了个借口。
He took the opportunity to find an excuse.
你趁机休息一下吧。
You should seize this chance to rest for a bit.
趁机参观一下这个城市。
Take this opportunity to visit the city.
趁机了解一下情况。
Seize the chance to understand the situation.
Often Confused With
This is a noun meaning 'opportunity' or 'timing.' '趁机' is an adverb describing the action of taking advantage of such a '时机'.
This is a noun meaning 'opportunity.' Similar to '时机', '趁机' describes the action related to a '机会'.
This is a verb meaning 'to grasp' or 'to seize.' While it's part of '抓住机会', it's a verb for the physical act of seizing, not an adverb like '趁机' describing the manner of action.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Both '趁机' and '抓住机会' mean to seize an opportunity. However, '抓住机会' is a more general and neutral term, while '趁机' often implies taking advantage of a specific situation that might not last.
'抓住机会' is about actively making the most of an opportunity. '趁机' can also carry a connotation of taking advantage of a situation, sometimes for selfish or less noble reasons, though it can also be neutral.
他抓住机会，向老板提出了自己的建议。(He seized the opportunity to propose his suggestion to the boss.)
Both involve using a situation to one's benefit. '利用' is a verb meaning 'to utilize' or 'to make use of.' '趁机' is an adverb meaning 'to take advantage of an opportunity.'
'利用' can be used with a broader range of objects (e.g., resources, people, time). '趁机' specifically refers to taking advantage of a suitable opportunity or moment.
我们可以利用周末的时间去学习。(We can use the weekend time to study.)
Similar to '趁机' in that both express taking advantage of a situation. '借此' literally means 'to take this opportunity/to use this as a pretext.'
'借此' often implies using something as a pretext or an excuse to do something else, or to achieve a specific goal. '趁机' is more about acting at a opportune moment.
他借此机会表达了对公司的忠诚。(He used this opportunity to express his loyalty to the company.)
This is very close to '趁机' and often interchangeable in many contexts. '趁着' means 'while' or 'taking advantage of (a condition/time).'
'趁着' is often followed by a time or a condition, focusing on performing an action during that specific period or condition. '趁机' emphasizes seizing a specific opportunity.
趁着年轻，多出去走走。(While you are young, travel more.)
Phonetically similar and with a very similar meaning. '乘机' literally means 'to take advantage of a machine/plane' but metaphorically means 'to seize an opportunity.'
'乘机' is almost a direct synonym for '趁机' in the sense of taking advantage of an opportunity. The key difference is often stylistic or in specific collocations, with '趁机' being slightly more common in everyday speech for general 'taking advantage of a moment'.
小偷乘机溜进了商店。(The thief took the opportunity to slip into the store.)
Sentence Patterns
趁机 + [Verb Phrase]
[Someone] 趁机 + [Action]
趁机 + [Verb Phrase] + [Result/Purpose]
[Situation], 趁机 + [Action]
趁着 + [Opportunity/Situation] + 趁机 + [Action]
[Someone] 趁机 + [Action] + 以便 + [Purpose]
借着 + [Opportunity/Situation] + 趁机 + [Action]
趁机 + [Verb Phrase], 进而 + [Further Action/Development]
How to Use It
趁机 (chènjī) means to take advantage of an opportune moment or to seize an opportunity. It implies that there's a chance or a favorable situation, and the action is performed to make the most of it. It's often used when an action is taken specifically because a good opportunity arises.
Structure: 主语 (subject) + 趁机 + 动词短语 (verb phrase)
Example: 他趁机溜走了。 (Tā chènjī liū zǒule.) - He seized the opportunity to slip away.
Example: 我们可以趁机休息一下。 (Wǒmen chènjī xiūxi yīxià.) - We can take this opportunity to rest for a bit.
It can also be used with a noun indicating the opportunity itself:
Structure: 主语 (subject) + 趁 + 机会/时机 (opportunity/timing) + 动词短语 (verb phrase)
Example: 她趁这个机会学了中文。 (Tā chèn zhège jīhuì xuéle Zhōngwén.) - She took advantage of this opportunity to learn Chinese.
A common mistake is confusing 趁机 with similar words like 利用 (lìyòng). While both involve 'using' something, 趁机 specifically refers to seizing a fleeting or favorable opportunity, often implying a spontaneous or quick action. 利用 is more general and can mean to utilize or make use of something, not necessarily an opportunity.
Incorrect: 他利用机会溜走了。 (Tā lìyòng jīhuì liū zǒule.) - While grammatically okay, '趁机' is more natural here if the slipping away was a direct response to a sudden opportunity.
Correct: 他趁机溜走了。 (Tā chènjī liū zǒule.) - He seized the opportunity to slip away.
Another mistake is using 趁机 in situations where there isn't a clear 'opportunity' being taken advantage of. 趁机 needs a context where an opportune moment or situation presents itself.
Incorrect: 我趁机吃饭。 (Wǒ chènjī chīfàn.) - This is usually incorrect because eating isn't typically seen as 'seizing an opportunity' unless there's a specific context, like eating quickly during a break.
Correct: 我趁着午休时间趁机吃了个饭。 (Wǒ chènzhe wǔxiū shíjiān chènjī chī le ge fàn.) - I seized the opportunity during lunch break to grab a meal.
Tips
Basic Meaning
趁机 means 'to seize an opportunity' or 'to take advantage of a chance'. It implies doing something while a particular situation is favorable.
Structure
You usually use it as 趁机 + verb phrase. The verb phrase describes the action taken when the opportunity arises.
Positive or Negative?
趁机 can be used for both positive and negative actions. It depends on the context. For example, 趁机学习 (to seize the opportunity to study) is positive, while 趁机偷窃 (to seize the opportunity to steal) is negative.
Synonyms
Similar words include 抓住机会 (zhuā zhù jī huì) which means 'to grasp an opportunity', but 趁机 often implies a more immediate or opportunistic action.
Contextual Nuance
It often implies a situation where someone acts quickly because a specific moment is fleeting or particularly advantageous. Think of it as 'striking while the iron is hot'.
Common Usage
It's frequently used in news reports or formal writing, but also in everyday conversation when describing someone's quick action based on a situation.
Example: Study
他趁机学习了很多新知识。(Tā chènjī xuéxí le hěn duō xīn zhīshi.) - He took the opportunity to learn a lot of new knowledge.
Example: Escape
小偷趁机逃跑了。(Xiǎotōu chènjī táopǎo le.) - The thief seized the opportunity to escape.
Example: Relax
工作结束后，我趁机休息了一下。(Gōngzuò jiéshù hòu, wǒ chènjī xiūxi le yīxià.) - After work, I took the opportunity to rest for a bit.
Example: Visit
她趁机去拜访了朋友。(Tā chènjī qù bàifǎng le péngyǒu.) - She took the opportunity to visit her friend.
Word Origin
趁 (chèn) means to avail oneself of, to take advantage of. 机 (jī) means opportunity, critical juncture. Together, 趁机 means to seize the opportunity.
Original meaning: The characters have consistently retained their meanings, leading to the direct and practical interpretation of 'seize the opportunity' or 'take advantage of'.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, ChineseCultural Context
In Chinese culture, there's often a strong emphasis on practicality and making the most of situations. Expressions like 趁机 reflect a proactive mindset towards circumstances, whether for personal gain or to achieve a particular goal. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the nature of the 'opportunity' being seized.
Test Yourself 60 questions
她想___学习中文。
The sentence means 'She wants to seize the opportunity to learn Chinese.' '趁机' means to seize the opportunity.
他___出去玩了。
The sentence means 'He seized the opportunity to go out and play.' '趁机' means to seize the opportunity.
我们___休息一下吧。
The sentence means 'Let's seize the opportunity to rest for a while.' '趁机' means to seize the opportunity.
小猫___跳上了桌子。
The sentence means 'The kitten seized the opportunity to jump onto the table.' '趁机' means to seize the opportunity.
老师不在，学生们___玩手机。
The sentence means 'The teacher is not here, so the students seized the opportunity to play with their phones.' '趁机' means to seize the opportunity.
下雨了，他___回家了。
The sentence means 'It's raining, so he seized the opportunity to go home.' '趁机' means to seize the opportunity.
她___去商店买了东西。
Here, '趁机' means she took the opportunity to go to the store.
他___学习中文。
He seized the opportunity to study Chinese.
我们___休息一下。
We took the opportunity to rest for a while.
“趁机”的意思是抓住一个机会做某事。
Yes, '趁机' means to seize an opportunity to do something.
“趁机”可以用来表示原因。
'趁机' is about seizing an opportunity, not about giving a reason.
“趁机”通常放在动词前面。
'趁机' acts as an adverb, so it typically precedes the verb it modifies.
Greeting
Gratitude
Farewell
Read this aloud:
我爱中国
Focus: wǒ ài zhōng guó
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你叫什么名字？
Focus: nǐ jiào shén me míng zì?
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
很高兴认识你
Focus: hěn gāo xìng rèn shi nǐ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
He took the opportunity to learn more Chinese characters.
I seized the chance to ask the teacher a few questions.
Everyone took the opportunity to rest for a bit.
Read this aloud:
我趁机去了商店。
Focus: chèn jī
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
她趁机看了电影。
Focus: chèn jī
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我们趁机吃了午饭。
Focus: chèn jī
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'He takes the opportunity to study and rest.' The adverb 趁机 comes before the verb phrase it modifies.
This sentence means 'We take the opportunity to eat.' 趁机 is placed before the verb.
This sentence means 'She takes the opportunity to play games.' The adverb 趁机 precedes the verb.
他___溜走了。(Tā ___ liū zǒu le.)
Here, 趁机 (chèn jī) means 'to seize the opportunity' or 'to take advantage of the situation'. The sentence means 'He took the opportunity to slip away.'
我___问了他几个问题。(Wǒ ___ wèn le tā jǐ gè wèn tí.)
趁机 (chèn jī) fits best here, implying 'I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions.'
她___休息了一会儿。(Tā ___ xiū xi le yī huìr.)
The sentence translates to 'She took the opportunity to rest for a while.' 趁机 (chèn jī) is the correct choice.
我们___离开了。(Wǒ men ___ lí kāi le.)
This sentence means 'We took the opportunity to leave.' 趁机 (chèn jī) is appropriate here.
他___学习新技能。(Tā ___ xué xí xīn jì néng.)
The sentence means 'He took the opportunity to learn new skills.' 趁机 (chèn jī) fits the context.
你___跟他说说吧。(Nǐ ___ gēn tā shuō shuo ba.)
This translates to 'You should take the opportunity to talk to him.' 趁机 (chèn jī) is the right word.
The speaker took the opportunity ('趁机') of the other person being sick to complete their report for them.
When the rain stopped, we seized the opportunity ('趁机') to go for a walk.
With the manager away, he took the chance ('趁机') to rest for a bit.
她___向经理提出了加薪的请求。
这句话的意思是“她借此机会向经理提出了加薪的请求”。“趁机”在这里表示抓住有利时机。
会议结束后，他___和几位专家交换了意见。
这句话的意思是“会议结束后，他利用这个机会和几位专家交换了意见”。“趁机”在这里表示抓住有利时机。
下雨了，游客们___躲进了旁边的咖啡馆。
这句话的意思是“下雨了，游客们正好借此机会躲进了旁边的咖啡馆”。“趁机”在这里表示抓住有利时机。
公司裁员，他___找到了更好的工作。
这句话的意思是“公司裁员，他利用这个变动找到了更好的工作”。“趁机”在这里表示抓住有利时机。
老师不在，学生们___玩起了手机。
这句话的意思是“老师不在，学生们借此机会玩起了手机”。“趁机”在这里表示抓住有利时机。
他___在午饭时间处理了一些私事。
这句话的意思是“他利用午饭的时间处理了一些私事”。“趁机”在这里表示抓住有利时机。
Describe a situation where someone might '趁机' to achieve a goal. What was the goal, what was the opportunity, and what was the outcome?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
面对公司裁员的传闻，小张趁机申请了晋升。他知道这是一个展示自己领导能力和项目成果的好机会。通过积极争取，他成功地获得了新的职位，避免了被裁员的风险。
Imagine you are advising a friend on how to best '趁机' during a challenging time. What specific advice would you give them, and why is it important to act quickly?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在经济不景气的时候，我建议你趁机提升自己的专业技能。公司可能会更看重那些能带来直接效益的员工。快速行动非常重要，因为市场变化很快，先发制人才能占得先机。
Write a short paragraph about how a business might '趁机' to gain a competitive advantage in a new market.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这家科技公司趁机进入了新兴的AI教育市场。他们迅速推出了定制化的学习平台，利用其在人工智能领域的深厚积累，获得了先发优势。这种策略使他们在竞争激烈的市场中脱颖而出。
根据这段话，为什么全球经济放缓对一些创新型企业来说是“趁机转型的机会”？
Read this passage:
全球经济放缓给许多行业带来了压力，但也为一些创新型企业提供了趁机转型的机会。例如，一些传统制造业公司趁机投资自动化和智能化生产，不仅提高了效率，还降低了成本。然而，并非所有企业都能成功抓住这些机会，这需要敏锐的市场洞察力和果断的决策能力。
根据这段话，为什么全球经济放缓对一些创新型企业来说是“趁机转型的机会”？
文章中明确指出，创新型企业趁机投资自动化和智能化生产，以提高效率和降低成本，从而实现转型。
文章中明确指出，创新型企业趁机投资自动化和智能化生产，以提高效率和降低成本，从而实现转型。
小王在会议上“趁机”做了什么，并且结果如何？
Read this passage:
在一次国际会议上，小王发现一位著名的行业专家正在独自休息。他决定趁机上前进行简短的交流，介绍自己的研究项目。虽然时间很短，但这次意想不到的对话为他赢得了宝贵的合作机会。这表明，有时候，抓住细微的机会可能带来巨大的成功。
小王在会议上“趁机”做了什么，并且结果如何？
文章中写道，小王趁机上前进行交流，介绍了自己的研究项目，结果赢得了宝贵的合作机会。
文章中写道，小王趁机上前进行交流，介绍了自己的研究项目，结果赢得了宝贵的合作机会。
这段文字中，“趁机”和“错失了这次销售良机”之间有何关联？
Read this passage:
最近一次电商大促活动期间，许多商家趁机推出了限定商品和优惠套装，吸引了大量消费者。然而，也有一些商家因为准备不足，未能及时补充库存，反而错失了这次销售良机。这说明，即便有好的机会，也需要充分的准备才能真正抓住。
这段文字中，“趁机”和“错失了这次销售良机”之间有何关联？
“趁机”描述的是商家成功利用大促活动推出商品并吸引消费者，而“错失了这次销售良机”则描述了准备不足的商家未能及时补充库存而导致的失败。
“趁机”描述的是商家成功利用大促活动推出商品并吸引消费者，而“错失了这次销售良机”则描述了准备不足的商家未能及时补充库存而导致的失败。
The adverb '趁机' (chènjī) usually comes before the verb it modifies.
The adverb '趁机' (chènjī) is placed before the verb '休息' (xiūxī) to indicate seizing the opportunity to rest.
Here, '趁机' (chènjī) modifies the verb '表达' (biǎodá), meaning she took the opportunity to express her views.
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Summary
趁机 means to seize an opportunity to do something, often implying a timely or strategic action.
- seize the chance
- take advantage
- exploit opportunity
Basic Meaning
趁机 means 'to seize an opportunity' or 'to take advantage of a chance'. It implies doing something while a particular situation is favorable.
Structure
You usually use it as 趁机 + verb phrase. The verb phrase describes the action taken when the opportunity arises.
Positive or Negative?
趁机 can be used for both positive and negative actions. It depends on the context. For example, 趁机学习 (to seize the opportunity to study) is positive, while 趁机偷窃 (to seize the opportunity to steal) is negative.
Synonyms
Similar words include 抓住机会 (zhuā zhù jī huì) which means 'to grasp an opportunity', but 趁机 often implies a more immediate or opportunistic action.
Related Content
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
