Taking the chance with 趁 — Chinese grammar (HSK 5)

趁 + Opportunity + Verb

趁 (chèn) means "while / taking advantage of" a favourable moment that will not last: 趁热吃 is "eat it while it is hot". The 趁 phrase comes before the main verb. English uses "while" or "before it is too late", but 趁 always carries the idea of seizing the chance.

Examples

饺子做好了，趁热吃吧。 Jiǎozi zuò hǎo le, chèn rè chī ba.	The dumplings are ready, eat them while they are hot.
趁年轻，多出去看看。 Chèn niánqīng, duō chūqù kànkan.	While you are young, go out and see the world.
我想趁放暑假的时候去旅游。 Wǒ xiǎng chèn fàng shǔjià de shíhou qù lǚyóu.	I want to take the summer holiday as a chance to travel.

Tip: 趁 is only for good chances; for a neutral "while" use 的时候.