preposition / verb HSK 4
to take advantage of (an opportunity) · while · when
Meaning
趁 is a versatile word meaning to seize an opportunity or to do something while certain conditions exist. It emphasizes acting at the right moment before the chance passes. The word conveys the idea of timely action and not letting favorable circumstances slip away.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 趁 before a clause to mean 'while' or 'when' a condition is true. It often appears in patterns like 趁着 (chènzhe) or 趁...的时候 to emphasize taking action during a window of opportunity. The tone is often about acting quickly or wisely before circumstances change.
Examples
- 01趁年轻的时候多出去看看世界。.While you're young, go out and see more of the world.
- 02趁着天气好，我们去爬山吧。, .While the weather is good, let's go hiking.
Common collocations
- 趁着taking advantage of, while
- 趁现在while it's still now, right now
- 趁年轻while (one is) young
- 趁热while it's hot
Antonyms
Origin
The character 趁 combines the radical 走 (to walk/run) with a phonetic component, suggesting the idea of moving quickly to catch an opportunity before it passes.