Meaning and Usage
"争分夺秒" literally means "to fight for every minute and snatch every second." It describes acting with extreme urgency, making the most of every moment, especially when time is limited.
Common Contexts
This phrase is often used in situations where time is critical, such as emergencies, deadlines, or intense preparation periods.
Collocations and Patterns
- 争分夺秒地 + verb: emphasizes doing something urgently (e.g., 争分夺秒地抢救,争分夺秒地复习).
- Often appears in news reports or narratives about urgent actions.
Nuance
Using "争分夺秒" implies a high level of pressure and the need to maximize efficiency. It is more intense than simply "赶时间" (rushing).
Common Confusion
Do not confuse with "分秒必争," which has a similar meaning but is more formal and often used in written language. "争分夺秒" is more common in spoken and narrative contexts.