趁早

• Pinyin: chèn zǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 趁 = 走 (walk) + 㐱 (phonetic); 早 = 日 (sun) + 十 (ten) = early morning sun

Meaning

As soon as possible; before it's too late; while there's still time. Emphasizes doing something early to avoid problems.

Often used in advice or warnings. Carries a sense of urgency. Can also mean 'might as well' when suggesting giving up on something hopeless. Common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Examples

1. 有什么问题趁早说，别等到最后才发现。 If you have any problems, speak up early; don't wait until the last minute to discover them.
2. 这种想法趁早打消，根本不可能实现。 Give up this idea as soon as possible; it's completely impossible to achieve.
3. 趁早做好准备，免得临时抱佛脚。 Prepare early to avoid scrambling at the last minute.

Usage Guide

Context: advice, warning, urgency

Tone: advisory

Do Say

• 如果不喜欢这份工作，趁早换一份。(If you don't like this job, change it sooner rather than later.)
• 趁早告诉他真相，拖下去只会更麻烦。(Tell him the truth as soon as possible; dragging it out will only cause more trouble.)

Don't Say

• 趁早慢慢来 (Contradictory — 趁早 implies urgency while 慢慢来 implies taking your time)

Origin & History

Compound of 趁 (to take advantage of) and 早 (early). Emphasizes the wisdom of acting while time permits.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal