顺势
shùn shì · HSK 7
to seize an opportunity
🏄 顺势 = 顺 follow + 势 momentum: go along with the trend, ride the wave that's already moving
顺 means to follow or go with; 势 means momentum, force, or trend. Together: act in step with the existing momentum rather than fighting it, so you seize the chance with no extra effort.
顺 — 川 (river) + 页 (head/face)
顺 combines 川 (flowing river) with 页 (head), originally depicting a head turned to follow the flow of water. The image of going along with the current gave rise to meanings like 'to follow,' 'smooth,' and 'in order.' It remains tied to ideas of compliance and natural sequence.