转机 zhuǎnjī (to take) a turn for the better
怎么记住“转机”: 转 to turn + 机 machine = (to take) a turn for the better.
汉字
用法
- Two distinct meanings that context separates cleanly: 'a turn for the better' (病情出现转机 - the illness took a turn for the better) versus 'to change planes' (在香港转机 - connect through Hong Kong).
- Learners often only learn the flight-connection sense and miss the more literary 'turning point' sense.
- As 'turn for the better,' it's fairly formal/written, used about situations, illness, or negotiations improving.
- As 'connecting flight,' it's everyday travel vocabulary.