ze3 gei1借機借机
Jyutpingze3 gei1
Yaleje gēi
Definition
To seize an opportunity to do something, especially to take advantage of a situation.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This term implies a calculated or opportunistic move, often with a slightly negative or self-serving undertone. It is frequently used when someone exploits a situation for personal gain or to achieve an ulterior motive. Unlike neutral ways of saying take an opportunity, it suggests a degree of cunning or strategic timing.
Examples
He took the opportunity to talk to the boss about a raise.
Related words
Common phrases
to use an opportunity to climb the career ladder
to use an opportunity to stir up trouble
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 搵機會, which is neutral and simply means to look for an opportunity. Using 借機 when the action is innocent or positive can make you sound like you are accusing the person of being manipulative.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
