HSK · Level 91
45 words
Chinese word
伺机
Pronunciation
Pinyinsì jī
Meaning
- verbwait for an opportunity
Example
他在伺机发动攻击。tā zài sì jī fā dòng gōng jī
He is waiting for an opportunity to launch an attack.
More examples
警方在街区巡逻，伺机逮捕可疑人员。jǐng fāng zài jiē qū xún luó sì jī dài bǔ kě yí rén yuán
The police patrolled the neighborhood, waiting for an opportunity to arrest suspicious people.
Core concept
A person quietly watches the situation while holding back, ready to move when a useful opening appears.
Common phrases
伺机而动sì jī ér dòng
act when an opportunity arises
伺机发动攻击sì jī fā dòng gōng jī
wait for an opportunity to launch an attack
Similar words
观望guān wàng: Stay back and watch surrounding activity before deciding whether to act.
择机zé jī: Select the most suitable moment for action when a good opportunity arises.
寻机xún jī: Look for an opportunity and find one that can be used to advantage.
Definition in Chinese
观察形势，等待机会时采取行动或出手。guān chá xíng shì děng dài jī huì shí cái qǔ xíng dòng huò chū shǒu
Word origin
伺 (sì, "observe") + 机 (jī, "opportunity") combine the ideas of monitoring conditions and waiting for the right moment to move.
Usage tips
- In conversational Chinese, this word often sounds more formal and deliberate than ordinary talk, so it fits reports and serious descriptions better than casual small talk.
Other meanings
- lie in waitverb
- look for an openingverb
Opposites
- 主动出击zhǔ dòng chū jīlaunch an attack proactivelyverb
Related words
- 伺机行事sì jī xíng shìact after waiting for an opportunityidiom