乘势

乘勢

chéngshì

verb

Meanings

1 to seize the opportunity
2 to take advantage of momentum
3 to strike while the iron is hot

Characters

to ride; to exploit

momentum; situation

Examples

HSK 7-9

对手失误，他乘势反攻。

Duìshǒu shīwù, tā chéngshì fǎngōng.

His opponent slipped up, and he seized the moment to counterattack.

HSK 7-9

公司应该乘势扩大市场份额。

Gōngsī yīnggāi chéngshì kuòdà shìchǎng fèn'é.

The company should ride the momentum and expand market share.

Tips

usage

乘 (chéng) here means 'to ride/exploit', not 'to multiply'. Common in business, sports, and military contexts. Pairs naturally with 而上 ('and rise') → 乘势而上 'rise on the momentum'.

Stroke Order

乘 chéng

势 shì