趁机

• Pinyin: chèn jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 趁 = 走 (walk) + 㐱 (phonetic); 机 = 木 (wood) + 几 (small table, phonetic)

Meaning

To seize the opportunity; to take advantage of the chance. Doing something while the conditions are favorable.

Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context. Neutral when simply meaning to make good use of an opportunity. Slightly negative when implying opportunism or taking advantage of a situation for personal gain.

Examples

1. 他趁机向老板提出了加薪的要求。 He seized the opportunity to ask the boss for a raise.
2. 小偷趁机混入了人群逃跑了。 The thief took the chance to slip into the crowd and escape.
3. 趁机多了解一下当地的风土人情。 Take this opportunity to learn more about the local customs and culture.

Usage Guide

Context: opportunity, strategy, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 趁机问问他对这件事的看法。(Take this opportunity to ask him his opinion on this matter.)
• 她趁机推销了自己的产品。(She took the opportunity to promote her products.)

Don't Say

• 我趁机帮助他 (趁机 implies personal benefit; for selfless help, just say 我帮助了他)

Origin & History

Compound of 趁 (to take advantage of) and 机 (opportunity, chance). Literally 'following the opportunity.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal