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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing opportune timing with 趁 (chèn)

    HSK 4
    Condition
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    趁 + Condition, Action

    Explanation

    The preposition 趁 (chèn) means "while" or "taking advantage of" a favorable condition or moment. It introduces a time window or opportunity that the speaker urges someone to act on before it passes. For instance, you might say 趁年轻多学点东西, meaning "while you're young, learn more things."

    Examples

    • 趁现在有空，赶紧把作业写完吧。

      Chèn xiànzài yǒu kòng, gǎnjǐn bǎ zuòyè xiě wán ba.

      Take advantage of the free time now and hurry up and finish your homework.

    • 趁天还没黑，我们早点出发。

      Chèn tiān hái méi hēi, wǒmen zǎo diǎn chūfā.

      Let's set out early while it's not dark yet.

    • 趁老板心情好，你去跟他提加薪的事。

      Chèn lǎobǎn xīnqíng hǎo, nǐ qù gēn tā tí jiāxīn de shì.

      While the boss is in a good mood, go talk to him about a raise.

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    Expressing opportune timing with 趁 (chèn) | Chinese Grammar