Meaning and Usage
"侥幸" refers to an unexpected or accidental good fortune, often implying luck rather than skill or effort. It usually carries a nuance that the positive outcome was not fully deserved or planned.
Common Contexts
It is often used to describe situations where someone narrowly escapes a negative outcome or gains an advantage by chance, such as passing an exam without thorough preparation or avoiding a sudden storm.
Collocations and Patterns
- 侥幸通过 (jiǎoxìng tōngguò): to pass by luck
- 侥幸避开 (jiǎoxìng bìkāi): to luckily avoid
- 侥幸心理 (jiǎoxìng xīnlǐ): a mentality relying on luck
Nuance and Register
The term often implies a slightly negative or cautionary tone, warning against relying on luck instead of effort. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "侥幸" with "幸运" (xìngyùn), which means general good luck or fortune without the implication of chance or undeservedness. "侥幸" specifically highlights the accidental or risky nature of the luck.