Definition
趁 (chèn) is a preposition meaning 'while (a favorable condition is still available)'—you use it before a noun phrase or clause to indicate timing, e.g. 趁打折 'while it's on sale'. Unlike the verbs 乘 (more formal) and 利用 (broader, can be negative), 趁 is a function word that cannot act as the main verb. It focuses on doing something before a condition changes.
preposition
taking advantage of (a favorable time or condition)while a condition is still available)
Easily confused
- 赶gǎnlook-aliketo catch (a vehicle, event), to make it in time for
- 沉chénsound-aliketo sink, to submerge
- 赴fùlook-aliketo go to (a formal event or place)
- 起qǐlook-alike(verb) to get up; to rise
- 陡dǒulook-alikesteep, precipitous
- 越yuèlook-alike(adverb, in structure '越A越B') the more... the more
Examples
- 趁。chèn dǎzhé de shíhou duō mǎi diǎn dōngxi ba.Buy more things while they're on sale.
- 趁。Fàn yào chèn rè chī cái xiāng.The food tastes best when eaten while it's hot.
- 趁，。chèn hái méi xià yǔ, wǒmen kuài huí jiā ba.Let's go home quickly before it rains.
Grammar
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