趁

• Pinyin: chèn
• Desglose de hanzi: 趁 = 走 (walk) + 㐱 (phonetic component related to 珍)

Significado

aprovechar (la ocasión); mientras

Used before a favorable condition or time window to indicate seizing the moment. Often paired with time expressions or situations. Essential for expressing 'while you still can' or 'before it's too late.'

Ejemplos

1. 趁天还没黑，我们赶紧出发吧。
2. 趁年轻多学点东西，以后会受益无穷。
3. 趁热吃，凉了就不好吃了。

Guía de uso

Contexto: everyday, advice, urgency

Tono: encouraging

Correcto

• 趁现在有空，把作业写完吧。(While you have free time now, finish your homework.)
• 趁老板不在，我们偷偷休息一下。(While the boss is away, let's sneak a little break.)

Incorrecto

• 趁我很累 (趁 is for favorable windows, not unfavorable states — say 虽然我很累 instead)

Origen e historia

Originally meant 'to follow closely' or 'to pursue.' The meaning evolved to 'taking advantage of the moment' from the idea of closely following an opportunity.

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal