转机

• Pinyin: zhuǎn jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 转 = 车 + 专 (turn); 机 = 木 + 几 (opportunity)

Meaning

Turning point; favorable turn; also: transit flight. A change from a difficult situation to a better one, or a connecting flight.

Has two main meanings: a positive change in circumstances or fortune, and an airport transit between flights. Both meanings involve transition or change. The context determines which meaning applies.

Examples

1. 谈判终于出现了转机。 The negotiations finally saw a breakthrough.
2. 我们在新加坡转机去伦敦。 We’re connecting through Singapore on our way to London.
3. 他的病情出现了转机。 His condition has taken a turn for the better.

Usage Guide

Context: business, travel, medical

Tone: hopeful

Do Say

• 经过多方努力，事情终于有了转机。(After efforts from many parties, things finally took a turn for the better.)
• 这趟航班需要在迪拜转机。(This flight requires a transit in Dubai.)

Don't Say

• 坏的转机 — 转机 implies positive change; use 转变 or 恶化 for negative turns

Origin & History

转 (to turn, change) + 机 (opportunity, mechanism)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal