チャンスを狙う (chansu o nerau - to wait for a chance)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
This phrase combines the katakana word チャンス (chansu, 'chance' or 'opportunity') with the direct object particle を (o) and the verb 狙う (nerau), meaning 'to aim at' or 'to target'. The literal translation is 'to aim at a chance', which conveys the nuance of actively looking for and intending to seize an opportunity. It is commonly used to describe someone's strategic approach to achieving a goal.
Sample sentences
彼は昇進のチャンスをずっと狙っていた。
He had been aiming for a chance at promotion for a long time.
ライバルチームは、常に私たちの弱点を狙っている。
The rival team is always looking for our weaknesses (aiming for opportunities based on our weaknesses).
良い投資のチャンスを狙って、日々情報を集めている。
I'm gathering information daily, aiming for a good investment opportunity.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
彼は昇進のチャンスをずっと狙っていた。
He had been aiming for a chance at promotion for a long time.
ライバルチームは、常に私たちの弱点を狙っている。
The rival team is always looking for our weaknesses (aiming for opportunities based on our weaknesses).
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