契机

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 这次合作成为公司发展的契机。▶ —
   This cooperation became the turning point for the company’s growth.
2. 一句话成了他改变的契机。▶ —
   A single remark became the catalyst for his change.

Collocations

Mnemonic

契 qì "to engage, pact" + 机 jī "opportunity": the opportunity at which things engage and begin, i.e. a turning point, a catalyst. Same as the Korean word gye-gi (契機). It points to the decisive trigger or turning point at which change or growth begins (成为契机 to become a catalyst, 以此为契机 taking this as a starting point). Unlike the plain opportunity of 机遇 or 机会, 契机 centers on being the starting point of change, with a causal sense. 契 means "to engage, a pact" (契约 a contract); 机 is the 机 of 机会.

Related

Quick check

1. What is the core nuance of 契机 versus 机遇?

   • the decisive trigger where change begins
   • a chance stroke of luck
   • an old habit
   • a day’s schedule