Chinese word

时机

Pronunciation

Pinyinshí jī

Meaning

  • nounopportunity

Example

时机到了，我们就走吧。shí jī dào le wǒ men jiù zǒu ba

When the opportunity arises, we will leave.

Illustration for 时机 (opportunity)

More examples

如果现在不行动，可能会错过时机。rú guǒ xiàn zài bù xíng dòng kě néng huì cuò guò shí jī

If we do not act now, we may miss the opportunity.

Core concept

The point when conditions come together and a planned action can move forward.

Common phrases

  • 抓住时机zhuā zhù shí jī

    seize the opportunity

  • 错过时机cuò guò shí jī

    miss the opportunity

  • 把握时机bǎ wò shí jī

    seize the opportunity

Similar words

机会jī huì: A favorable chance to do something or for something to happen.
时候shí hòu: A time or period when something happens or is expected to happen.
场合chǎng hé: A situation or occasion that is suitable for a particular action.

Definition in Chinese

在某个具体的时间点上最适合采取行动或实现目的的时刻，强调时机成熟或有利的时间点。zài mǒu gè jù tǐ de shí jiān diǎn shàng zuì shì hé cái qǔ xíng dòng huò shí xiàn mù dì de shí kè qiáng diào shí jī chéng shú huò yǒu lì de shí jiān diǎn

Word origin

时 (shí, "time") + 机 (jī, "crucial point") forms a compound for a moment when circumstances favor action.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often hear a chance as something that appears, but this noun can focus on when an ordinary action should happen, even without a promised gain.

Other meanings

  • timingnoun

Word lists with this word