可乘之机 (kě chéng zhī jī) is an idiom that means 'to take advantage of an opportunity' or 'to seize a chance.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone exploits a favorable situation to achieve a goal or benefit, often implying a strategic approach to decision-making.
HSK 7, rank #40999, Very Hard
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March 24, 2026
可乘之机()kěchéngzhījī(ke3cheng2zhi1ji1)
可乘之机 (kě chéng zhī jī) is an idiom that means 'to take advantage of an opportunity' or 'to seize a chance.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone exploits a favorable situation to achieve a goal or benefit, often implying a strategic approach to decision-making.
Frequency#40999DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of seizing opportunities is often associated with Confucian values of wisdom and foresight, reflecting the importance placed on strategic thinking in both personal and business affairs.
Memory Tip
Imagine a skilled sailor (可) who is keenly aware of the wind’s direction (乘) and knows exactly when to set sail (之机). This connection between seizing the right moment and sailing can help you remember that this phrase is about taking advantage of opportunities.
About 可乘之机
可乘之机Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 可乘之机
Podcast: 可乘之机
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AI Study Notes for 可乘之机
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a skilled sailor (可) who is keenly aware of the wind’s direction (乘) and knows exactly when to set sail (之机). This connection between seizing the right moment and sailing can help you remember that this phrase is about taking advantage of opportunities.
Usage Notes
This idiom is typically used in a formal context, such as business discussions or strategic planning. Common mistakes include confusing it with phrases that imply luck rather than strategy. Be careful not to use it in casual conversations where a simpler phrase would suffice.
HSK Study Tips
While 可乘之机 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects well with other words related to opportunity and strategy. Students should focus on the components of the idiom, especially understanding the meanings of 可 (can) and 机 (opportunity).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of seizing opportunities is often associated with Confucian values of wisdom and foresight, reflecting the importance placed on strategic thinking in both personal and business affairs.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse this idiom by applying it to situations that are purely coincidental rather than strategic. For example, saying 'I won the lottery; it was a 可乘之机' is incorrect; it should be 'I invested when the market was low; it was a 可乘之机.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 可乘之机
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Cultural Notes for 可乘之机
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of seizing opportunities is often associated with Confucian values of wisdom and foresight, reflecting the importance placed on strategic thinking in both personal and business affairs.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the focus may be more on individual initiative and luck in seizing opportunities, while in Chinese culture, there is often a stronger emphasis on preparation and strategic planning.
Frequently Asked Questions about 可乘之机
It literally translates to 'the opportunity that can be taken advantage of.'
It's best suited for formal or strategic contexts rather than casual chat.
Yes, you might also encounter idioms like '时不我待' (time waits for no one) that express related ideas about opportunity.
