伺机

伺機

sìjī

verb HSK 7 #18,351

Meanings

1 to watch for an opportunity
2 to bide one's time

Characters

to spy on; to watch for

opportunity; chance

Literally 'watch for opportunity' — lurking and waiting for the right moment.

Examples

猎豹伺机扑向猎物。

Lièbào sìjī pū xiàng lièwù.

The cheetah waited for the right moment to pounce on its prey.

他一直伺机报仇。

Tā yìzhí sìjī bàochóu.

He had been biding his time to take revenge.

Tips

usage

伺机 often carries a slightly predatory or scheming tone — animals stalking prey, enemies waiting to strike, competitors watching for weakness. It's rarely used for positive opportunities; for that you'd say 寻找机会 (xúnzhǎo jīhuì).

Stroke Order

伺 sì

机 jī