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March 24, 2026
时机(時機)shíjī(shi2ji1)
时机 (shíjī) refers to a specific moment or opportunity that is considered favorable for taking action. It is often used in contexts where timing is crucial, such as in business decisions, life choices, or strategic planning.
Frequency#2452DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of timing is often linked to success and fortune. For instance, many business decisions are made based on auspicious dates and times, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the significance of timing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock (时) with a golden key (机) that unlocks the door to opportunity. When the clock strikes the right time, the door opens to success, symbolizing that the right timing can lead to great outcomes.
Meanings of 时机
shíjī(shi2ji1)
1fortunate timing
2occasion
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 时机
时机Simplified
時機Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2452Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 时机
Podcast: 时机
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AI Study Notes for 时机
Quick Contrast
机会 (jīhuì) refers to a chance or opportunity that may not have the same implication of perfect timing as 时机 (shíjī).
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock (时) with a golden key (机) that unlocks the door to opportunity. When the clock strikes the right time, the door opens to success, symbolizing that the right timing can lead to great outcomes.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone, as both characters have the second and first tones respectively. This term is often used in formal contexts, and don't confuse it with similar terms like 机会 (jīhuì), which means 'chance' or 'opportunity' without the emphasis on timing.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 时机 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to decision-making and strategy. Focus on using it in phrases that emphasize the importance of timing in various scenarios, such as business or personal life.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of timing is often linked to success and fortune. For instance, many business decisions are made based on auspicious dates and times, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the significance of timing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 时机 with 机会, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我抓住了机会' (wǒ zhuāzhù le jīhuì) when they mean to express the importance of timing may lead to misunderstanding. The correct phrase would be '我抓住了时机' (wǒ zhuāzhù le shíjī).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 时机
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Grammar Patterns of 时机
时机 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这是谈情说爱的绝佳____。
This is an excellent time for affairs of the heart.
Example Sentences for 时机 (10)
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1
这是谈情说爱的绝佳时机。
zhè shì tán qíng shuō ài de jué jiā shí jī。
This is an excellent time for affairs of the heart.
2
所以这可能是买房子的绝佳时机。
suǒ yǐ zhè kě néng shì mǎi fáng zǐ de jué jiā shí jī。
So this could be the perfect time to buy a home.
3
现在是对房地产市场投资的好时机。
xiàn zài shì duì fáng dì chǎn shì cháng tóu zī de hǎo shí jī。
Now is a good time to invest in the property market.
4
那似乎是告诉她的好时机。
nà sì hū shì gào sù tā de hǎo shí jī。
It seemed like a good time to tell her.
5
有时候你肯定会错估铲球的时机。
yǒu shí hòu nǐ kěn dìng huì cuò gū chǎn qiú de shí jī。
You're bound to mistime a tackle every so often.
6
他拍的照片时机掌握完美，记录下了动人的快乐瞬间。
tā pāi de zhào piàn shí jī zhǎng wò wán měi， ， jì lù xià le dòng rén de kuài lè shùn。
His photo is a wonderful happy moment caught with perfect timing.
7
他具有所有优秀运动员所需要的分秒不差地把握时机的本领.
tā jù yǒu suǒ yǒu yōu xiù yùn dòng yuán suǒ xū yào de fēn miǎo bù chà dì bǎ wò shí jī de běn lǐng.
He has the split - second timing all good players need.
8
杰克受了很深的伤害, 他等待着报仇的时机.
jié kè shòu le hěn shēn de shāng hài, , tā děng dài zháo bào chóu de shí.
Jack was hurt deeply, and he bided his time for revenge.
On receiving this message I minuted in red ink in the margin, " Don't miss the bus ".
10
他的头两粒进球是站位和时机把握的典范。
tā de tóu liǎng lì jìn qiú shì zhàn wèi hé shí jī bǎ wò de diǎn fàn。
His first two goals were classic cases of being in the right place at the right time.
Cultural Notes for 时机
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of timing is often linked to success and fortune. For instance, many business decisions are made based on auspicious dates and times, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the significance of timing.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, while timing is also important, there is often a greater emphasis on spontaneity and taking risks rather than waiting for the 'perfect moment'.
Frequently Asked Questions about 时机
时机 emphasizes the right timing for an opportunity, while 机会 simply refers to the opportunity itself.
Yes, but it is more commonly used in formal or professional settings.
You might hear phrases like 抓住时机 (zhuāzhù shíjī), meaning 'seize the opportunity', or 选择时机 (xuǎnzé shíjī), meaning 'choose the right timing'.
