kai3 gei1契機契机
Jyutpingkai3 gei1
Yalekai gēi
Definition
An opportunity or turning point; a critical moment that is highly suitable for taking action.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a pivotal moment or a window of opportunity that arises from a particular set of circumstances. It carries a slightly more formal or intellectual tone than common words like 機會, often appearing in news, essays, or serious discussions about life changes or societal shifts.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This is a great opportunity for us to make a fresh start.
Do you think this event could be a turning point for change?
Related words
Common phrases
a rare opportunity
a significant turning point
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 機會, but while 機會 is a general term for any chance or opportunity, 契機 implies a specific, often critical, juncture that triggers a change or development.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
