Definition
借 (jiè) can mean both 'to borrow' and 'to lend' — the direction is clear from context or helper words like 给 (gěi, 'to') for lending. For 'to take advantage of an opportunity', 借 is the most versatile; 乘 (chéng) is more formal and written, while 趁 (chèn) specifically means 'while (a condition) is still available'.
verb
to borrowto lendto take advantage of (an opportunity)
Easily confused
- 错cuòlook-alikewrong, incorrect
- 接jiēsound-aliketo answer (the phone), to pick up (someone), to receive (an object or person)
- 蜡làlook-alikecandle
- 街jiēsound-alikestreet
- 醋cùlook-alikevinegar
- 节jiésound-alike(classifier) for segments of connected things: lessons, train cars, sections
- 结jiésound-alike(noun) knot
- 结jiēsound-alike(of plants) to produce (fruit or seeds)
- 解jiěsound-aliketo untie; to loosen; to separate
- 戒jièsound-aliketo quit, to give up (a habit or addiction)
Examples
- 借？Wǒ kěyǐ jiè nǐ de bǐ ma?Can I borrow your pen?
- 借。Tā jiè gěi wǒ shí kuài qián.He lent me ten yuan.
- 借，。jiè zhège jīhuì, wǒ xiǎng shuō xièxie.Taking this opportunity, I want to say thank you.
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