Definition
吃紧 is a stative verb (s.v.) that describes a state of tension or shortage, most often applied to finances (like 'cash-strapped' or 'tight on money') or to a situation that has become critical (like 'tense' or 'strained'). It's a fixed collocation — the literal 'eat tight' doesn't translate directly — so you'll need to remember the whole unit. Common patterns: 手头吃紧 (short of money), 局势吃紧 (the situation is tense).
s.v.
(of finances) tightstrainedshort of money(of a situation) tensecriticalserious
Examples
- 吃紧，。Zuìjìn shǒutóu yǒudiǎn chī jǐn, suǒyǐ yào shǎo huā diǎn qián.I'm a bit tight on money lately, so I need to spend less.
- 吃紧，。Guójì xíngshì chī jǐn, gè guó dōu zài mìqiè guānzhù.The international situation is tense, and all countries are watching closely.
- 吃紧，。Gōngsī zījīn chī jǐn, zhèng zài xiǎng bànfǎ jiějué.The company's funds are tight, and they're figuring out a solution.
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