借此机会
Take this opportunity
Littéralement: Borrow this opportunity
Use it to smoothly transition into a request, thanks, or announcement during an existing event.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to pivot to a new topic or action.
- Commonly used in speeches, toasts, and professional emails.
- Literally means 'borrowing' the current moment for something else.
Signification
This phrase is used to transition smoothly into a new topic or action by using the current situation as a convenient starting point. It's like saying 'since we're already here' or 'while I have the floor.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Giving a wedding toast
借此机会，我想祝新人新婚快乐。
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish the newlyweds a happy marriage.
Meeting a new team
借此机会，我向大家介绍一下我们的新项目。
Taking this opportunity, I’ll introduce our new project to everyone.
Texting a teacher
借此机会，我想向您请教一个问题。
I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you a question.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Chinese value of 'shun bian' (顺便), which emphasizes doing things in a way that is convenient and doesn't cause extra trouble. It is a staple of 'banzhuo wenhua' (table culture), where toasts and public acknowledgments are central to building social relationships.
The 'Smooth Operator' Move
Use this phrase when you want to ask for something potentially awkward. It makes the request feel like a natural part of the current interaction.
Watch the Vibe
Never use this to hijack someone else's spotlight for something selfish. If it's your friend's wedding, don't 'take the opportunity' to announce your own engagement unless you've cleared it!
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to pivot to a new topic or action.
- Commonly used in speeches, toasts, and professional emails.
- Literally means 'borrowing' the current moment for something else.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a party. Everyone is already listening to you. Instead of starting a whole new conversation later, you "borrow" this moment. 借此机会 is your social multi-tool. It means "since we are already here" or "taking advantage of this moment." It’s not just about timing. It’s about being smooth. You aren't interrupting. You are building on what is already happening. It’s like catching a wave instead of swimming against the current. It makes your transition feel natural and polite.
How To Use It
You usually put this phrase right at the start of your sentence. It acts as a polite "pardon me" or a "by the way." The most common structure is 借此机会 + [Subject] + [Action]. For example, 借此机会，我想谢谢大家 (I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone). It works perfectly in speeches. It also works in emails. If you are writing to a professor, start with this. It shows you are thoughtful about their time. You are using the current interaction to handle another small matter.
When To Use It
Use it when you have a captive audience. Think of weddings, company meetings, or graduation dinners. It’s great for expressing gratitude. If someone does something nice for you, use this phrase to thank them publicly. It’s also perfect for introductions. If you are at a networking event, use it to pivot to your business pitch. It feels less like "selling" and more like "sharing." Use it when you want to look professional and composed. It gives you an air of authority and grace.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for bad news. If you are firing someone, don't say "I'll take this opportunity to let you go." That’s just cold! Also, avoid using it if the "opportunity" is completely unrelated. If you are at a funeral, don't "take the opportunity" to sell your old car. That’s a major social fail. It should feel like a logical addition to the current vibe. If the mood is heavy, keep your "opportunity" respectful. Don't use it to brag while someone else is sharing a struggle.
Cultural Background
In China, social harmony is everything. You don't want to be disruptive. 借此机会 is a tool for harmony. It’s based on the concept of 顺便 (shùnbiàn), which means "conveniently" or "while you're at it." Chinese culture loves efficiency. If you can do two things at once, why not? It also shows respect for the occasion. By "borrowing" the opportunity, you are acknowledging that the occasion is important. You aren't just talking; you are honoring the moment. It’s a very "high-EQ" way to speak.
Common Variations
If you want to sound a bit more casual, try 趁这个机会 (chèn zhège jīhuì). This feels more like "grabbing" the chance. It’s great for friends. 借机 (jièjī) is a shorter version. Be careful with 借机, though. Sometimes it can sound like you have a hidden agenda. 趁此机会 (chèn cǐ jīhuì) is another formal alternative. It’s almost identical but feels slightly more active. Stick to 借此机会 for speeches and formal emails to stay safe.
Notes d'usage
It is a formal to neutral expression. In very casual settings, it might sound a bit 'stiff,' but it is never considered rude. Avoid using it in situations where you might seem like you are exploiting someone's misfortune.
The 'Smooth Operator' Move
Use this phrase when you want to ask for something potentially awkward. It makes the request feel like a natural part of the current interaction.
Watch the Vibe
Never use this to hijack someone else's spotlight for something selfish. If it's your friend's wedding, don't 'take the opportunity' to announce your own engagement unless you've cleared it!
The Power of 'Face'
In Chinese culture, using this phrase gives 'face' to the occasion. It implies that the current event is so significant that it's the perfect time for your announcement.
Exemples
6借此机会，我想祝新人新婚快乐。
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish the newlyweds a happy marriage.
A classic opening for a formal toast.
借此机会，我向大家介绍一下我们的新项目。
Taking this opportunity, I’ll introduce our new project to everyone.
Used to transition from introductions to business.
借此机会，我想向您请教一个问题。
I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you a question.
Polite way to ask for help in a message.
借此机会，我也想宣布一个好消息！
Taking this opportunity, I also want to announce some good news!
Using the gathering to share something exciting.
借此机会，我能不能再吃一块蛋糕？
Taking this opportunity, can I have another piece of cake?
Using the formal phrase for a silly request.
借此机会，我要感谢父母多年的支持。
I want to take this opportunity to thank my parents for years of support.
Very common in graduation or award speeches.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the formal introduction.
大家辛苦了，___，我想向大家介绍我们的新经理。
`借此机会` is the perfect formal bridge to introduce someone during a meeting.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal email transition?
王教授您好，___，我想请您帮我写封推荐信。
`借此机会` sounds respectful and professional, whereas `趁机` can sound sneaky.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'Taking an Opportunity'
Used with close friends for quick pivots.
趁这个机会 (Chèn zhège jīhuì)
Standard way to say 'while I'm at it'.
正好 (Zhènghǎo)
The gold standard for speeches and emails.
借此机会 (Jiè cǐ jīhuì)
Where to use '借此机会'
Public Speaking
Giving a toast
Business Email
Asking a favor
Networking
Introducing yourself
Family Dinners
Sharing big news
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is slightly formal, but perfectly fine if you are texting a boss, teacher, or someone you don't know well. For close friends, 趁这个机会 is more common.
Yes! For example, 借此机会，我想向你道歉 (I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to you). it makes the apology feel more sincere and planned.
借此机会 is neutral or positive and very polite. 趁机 (chènjī) often has a negative connotation, like someone is being opportunistic or sneaky, e.g., 他趁机溜走了 (He took the chance to sneak away).
It almost always appears at the very beginning of a sentence or right after the subject. For example: 我想借此机会... or 借此机会，我想....
Absolutely. It is a standard phrase in business letters and emails to transition from a greeting to a specific request or announcement.
Generally, no. It sounds too 'prepared' for bad news. If you use it to deliver a rejection, it might come across as cold or sarcastic.
Yes, 此 (cǐ) is a formal way to say 这个 (zhège) in written or formal spoken Chinese.
You can say 借机, but be careful as it can sometimes sound a bit more 'opportunistic' than the full four-character phrase.
Yes, it's very common during toasts or when someone stands up to make a short announcement to the group.
Pair it with 我想 (I want to) or 我要 (I will). For example: 借此机会，我想感谢大家.
Yes, it's a great way to pivot from an answer to a question you want to ask the interviewer.
No, it's a common four-character expression, but it doesn't have the ancient literary origins required to be a formal Chengyu.
Expressions liées
趁此机会
Take advantage of this opportunity (slightly more active)
顺便
By the way / conveniently
正好
Just happens to be / it's a good thing that...
借题发挥
Use a subject as a pretext to vent or express oneself (often negative)
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