About
The character "趁" originates from a structure meaning to pursue or follow closely, with its traditional form "趂" clearly combining the radical for walking or running with a phonetic component. Over time, its core semantic focus shifted from the literal act of physical pursuit to the more abstract sense of seizing an opportune moment or condition, implying action taken at a favorable time. This conceptual evolution is reflected in its modern usage, where it functions as a preposition meaning "to take advantage of" an opportunity or circumstance, a meaning that aligns with but abstracts the earlier notion of following closely upon something. The character’s structural simplification involved a change in its phonetic element, yet it retained this essential concept of timely action derived from its etymological roots in movement and pursuit.
Example Sentences Hide
请趁热吃吧。
趁现在还有时间。
他趁我不注意走了。
趁天气好，我们去散步。
你应该趁年轻多学习。
趁这个机会，我向大家介绍新同事。
趁市场低迷，他投资了大量股票。
趁父母还未老去，我们应该多陪伴他们。