HSK 7
趁
chèn
趁 (chèn) - Taking advantage of, while
Explanation
趁 (chèn) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun/phrase to indicate a relationship), meaning 'while', 'taking advantage of the moment when', used to seize a favorable time or condition before it slips away.
趁 (chèn) + (a favorable time/condition, often with 还 hái 'still' or the form 趁着 chènzhe), + (the main clause stating what needs to be done). For example, 趁...还没... (chèn... hái méi... 'while... has not yet...').
when you want to emphasize seizing an opportunity, since the chance is limited—act now before it's too late.
what follows 趁 (chèn) is a phrase denoting a time/condition, not a plain noun referring to an object; and 趁 belongs to the clause stating the opportunity (the subordinate clause), while the thing to be done is in the following clause—the order must not be reversed.
Examples
While you are still young, you must try more things.
While the train hasn't left yet, you can still get off now.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “趁” effectively
The grammar point “趁” (趁 (chèn) - Taking advantage of, while) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.