机遇

• Pinyin: jī yù
• Hanzi breakdown: 机 = 木 (wood) + 几 (small table, phonetic); 遇 = 辶 (walk) + 禺 (monkey, phonetic)

Meaning

Opportunity; favorable chance. A timely opportunity that can lead to success or advancement.

More formal and weighty than 机会 (general opportunity). 机遇 implies a significant, often rare chance that could change one's situation. Frequently used in career, business, and life-changing contexts. Common pairings include 抓住机遇 (seize the opportunity) and 难得的机遇 (a rare opportunity).

Examples

1. 他抓住了这次难得的机遇，成功创办了自己的公司。 He seized this rare opportunity and successfully started his own company.
2. 人生中的机遇往往转瞬即逝。 Opportunities in life often disappear in the blink of an eye.
3. 这座城市的快速发展给年轻人带来了很多机遇。 The rapid development of this city has brought many opportunities to young people.

Usage Guide

Context: career, business, life decisions

Tone: aspirational

Do Say

• 我们不能错过这个发展机遇。(We can't miss this development opportunity.)
• 机遇总是留给有准备的人。(Opportunities are always reserved for those who are prepared.)

Don't Say

• 今天有机遇去看电影 (Don't use 机遇 for casual daily opportunities — use 机会 instead; 机遇 is for significant, life-changing chances)

Origin & History

机 (opportunity, trigger) + 遇 (to encounter, to meet) — literally encountering an opportune moment.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal