Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
可乘之机 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
可乘之机kěchéngzhījī(idiom) an opportunity that someone (usually a villain or adversary) can exploitHSK 7, unknown, 24 strokes, rank #40999, Very Hard
kěchéngzhījī(ke3cheng2zhi1ji1)ke cheng zhi ji T3
  1. 1(idiom) an opportunity that someone (usually a villain or adversary) can exploit
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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.

Strokes24Frequency#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.

Meanings of 可乘之机

kěchéngzhījī(ke3cheng2zhi1ji1)
1(idiom) an opportunity that someone (usually a villain or adversary) can exploit
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 可乘之机 means.

About 可乘之机

可乘之机Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 可乘之机

JasonAmy

Podcast: 可乘之机

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 可乘之机

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).

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

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 可乘之机 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 可乘之机 to You

Let me explain 可乘之机 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 可乘之机 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 可乘之机?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 可乘之机 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

可kěcan
HSK 35 strokes口
View full entry
乘chéngto ride
HSK 410 strokes丿
View full entry
之zhī(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de])
HSK 43 strokes丿
View full entry
机Jīmachine
HSK 16 strokes木
View full entry

How to say (idiom) an opportunity that someone (usually a villain or adversary) can exploit in Chinese

“(idiom) an opportunity that someone (usually a villain or adversary) can exploit” in Chinese is可乘之机kěchéngzhījī

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.

When to use 可乘之机

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.

What learners get wrong

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.'

Write 可乘之机

可
乘
之
机

Practice writing 可乘之机 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 可乘之机?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Cultural Notes for 可乘之机

🌏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.'

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 可乘之机?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab