Meaning
时机 refers to the right moment or opportune time to do something. It emphasizes the temporal aspect of an opportunity—not just that a chance exists, but that the timing is favorable. It's often used when discussing strategic decisions, taking action, or seizing moments when conditions are ideal.
Usage
时机 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing when to act. It frequently appears with verbs like 把握 (to seize), 错过 (to miss), 成熟 (to be ripe/ready), and 选择 (to choose). Native speakers often use it when analyzing whether the conditions are right for an action, particularly in business, politics, or personal decisions.
Examples
- 01现在不是谈这件事的好时机。.Now is not a good time to discuss this matter.
- 02他总是能把握住最佳时机投资。.He always manages to seize the best timing for investments.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个好时机
Common collocations
- 把握时机to seize the opportunity
- 错过时机to miss the opportunity
- 时机成熟the time is ripe
- 选择时机to choose the right time
Origin
时 originally meant time or season, while 机 meant pivotal moment or mechanism. Together they form a compound meaning the critical time when action should be taken.