adverb HSK 5
as soon as possible · at the earliest opportunity · while there's still time
Meaning
趁早 means to do something early or as soon as possible, while conditions are still favorable. It conveys a sense of urgency or taking advantage of a good timing window. The word suggests that delaying might cause problems or miss an opportunity.
Usage
Native speakers use 趁早 to advise someone to act quickly or to express that something should be done without delay. It often appears in suggestions or warnings. Common in both spoken and written language, though slightly more common in informal contexts. Often used with verbs of action.
Examples
- 01如果你不喜欢这份工作，趁早换一个吧。, .If you don't like this job, switch to another one as soon as possible.
- 02这个项目有问题，我们趁早解决比较好。, .This project has problems; it's better if we solve them as soon as possible.
Characters
Common collocations
- 趁早放弃give up as soon as possible
- 趁早准备prepare early
- 趁早离开leave early/while you can
- 趁早行动act as soon as possible
Antonyms
Origin
趁 originally meant 'to pursue' or 'to take advantage of an opportunity,' while 早 means 'early.' Together they literally mean 'taking advantage of earliness' or 'while it's still early.'