Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
趁早()chènzǎo(chen4zao3)
趁早 means 'as soon as possible' or 'the sooner, the better.' It suggests taking action promptly and can imply that there is a time-sensitive nature to the situation, encouraging someone to act before circumstances worsen or opportunities are lost.
Frequency#19659DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking action '趁早' reflects a pragmatic approach to life and emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, which is a common theme in proverbs and sayings.
Memory Tip
Think of 趁早 (chen4 zao3) as 'catching the early train.' The character 趁 (chen4) resembles a person running towards a train, and 早 (zao3) means 'early.' Together, they remind you to act swiftly like catching a train before it leaves.
Meanings of 趁早
chènzǎo(chen4zao3)
1as soon as possible
2at the first opportunity
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 趁早
趁早Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 趁早
Podcast: 趁早
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 趁早
Quick Contrast
及时 (jíshí, in time) — use 趁早 when emphasizing the urgency of acting sooner rather than later.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 趁早 (chen4 zao3) as 'catching the early train.' The character 趁 (chen4) resembles a person running towards a train, and 早 (zao3) means 'early.' Together, they remind you to act swiftly like catching a train before it leaves.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in informal contexts and can express urgency. A common mistake is to use it in overly formal situations where a simple 'now' might suffice. Be mindful of the tone; using it too lightly can downplay serious situations.
HSK Study Tips
While 趁早 is not specifically categorized in HSK levels, it connects well to HSK 3 and 4 vocabulary that discusses time and urgency. Focus on practicing it with verbs related to action and decision-making.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, taking action '趁早' reflects a pragmatic approach to life and emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, which is a common theme in proverbs and sayings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 趁早 by placing it in a sentence where urgency is not required, such as '我趁早吃午饭' (which translates awkwardly to 'I eat lunch as soon as possible'). Instead, use it in contexts where timing is critical, like '你应该趁早告诉我.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 趁早
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 趁早 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 趁早 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 趁早
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, taking action '趁早' reflects a pragmatic approach to life and emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, which is a common theme in proverbs and sayings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 趁早
It is better to avoid using 趁早 in formal writing; opt for more neutral expressions instead.
Yes, 'strike while the iron is hot' conveys a similar urgency to act quickly.
You can say, '我们应该趁早决定,' meaning 'We should decide as soon as possible.'
