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

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.

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 (ér shàng, 'and rise') → 乘势而上 'rise on the momentum'.

Stroke Order

乘 chéng

势 shì