チャンスをうかがう

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-u)

wait for an opportunity; watch for a chance

usually written using kana alone

Used when someone is patiently or strategically waiting for the right moment to act. Often implies careful observation or readiness.

Written forms

チャンスを窺うかがう
Standard kanji spelling using 窺う, which is the most common kanji for 'うかがう' in the sense of 'wait for an opportunity'.
チャンスを覗うかがう
Alternate kanji spelling; 覗う is less common and may be confused with 覗く (のぞく).
チャンスを伺うかがう
irregular kanji usage
Irregular kanji usage; 伺う normally means 'to visit' or 'to ask' and is not standard for this meaning.

Kanji

窺lie in wait, spy on, reconnoiter
覗peep, peek, come in sight
伺pay respects, visit, ask

Similar words

機き会かいをうかがう
Similar meaning but uses the more formal 機会 (opportunity) instead of the loanword チャンス. チャンスをうかがう is more colloquial.
隙すきをうかがう
Means 'to watch for an opening/vulnerability', often in competitive or confrontational contexts. チャンスをうかがう is broader and can be used for positive opportunities.

Etymology

Combination of the loanword チャンス (chance) and the verb うかがう (to watch for, to wait for an opportunity). The verb うかがう has been used since Old Japanese with meanings related to spying or peeping, and later extended to 'waiting for a chance'.