伺机

伺機

sìjī

verb HSK 7-9 #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

HSK 7-9

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.

HSK 7-9

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.

Stroke Order

伺 sì

机 jī