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    Chinese Grammar

    The Verb 乘 (chéng): To Take Advantage Of

    Actions & Events
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    乘 + Condition/Noun

    Explanation

    乘 (chéng) is a Chinese verb meaning "to take advantage of" an opportunity or condition. It is commonly used in literary or set expressions to indicate doing something while a favorable condition exists, as in 乘凉 (to enjoy the cool).

    Examples

    • 我们乘天气好赶紧出发吧。

      wǒmen chéng tiānqì hǎo gǎnjǐn chūfā ba.

      Let's take advantage of the good weather and set off right away.

    • 他乘大家不注意，悄悄地离开了。

      tā chéng dàjiā bù zhùyì, qiāoqiāo de líkāi le.

      He slipped away quietly while no one was paying attention.

    • 乘现在还有时间，把作业写完吧。

      chéng xiànzài hái yǒu shíjiān, bǎ zuòyè xiě wán ba.

      While there's still time, finish your homework.

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