主动
Taking the initiative; acting of one's own will without being prompted by others.
Examples
3 of 5员工应该主动向经理汇报进度。
Employees should take the initiative to report progress to the manager.
在课堂讨论中，他总是表现得很主动。
He always shows a lot of initiative in class discussions.
如果你喜欢她，就应该主动一点。
If you like her, you should be more proactive.
Word Family
Memory Tip
主 (owner) + 动 (move) — being the 'owner' of your own 'movements'.
Quick Quiz
为了提高效率，我们需要___寻找解决办法。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 主动
Examples
员工应该主动向经理汇报进度。
businessEmployees should take the initiative to report progress to the manager.
在课堂讨论中，他总是表现得很主动。
academicHe always shows a lot of initiative in class discussions.
如果你喜欢她，就应该主动一点。
informalIf you like her, you should be more proactive.
政府采取主动措施应对气候变化。
formalThe government is taking proactive measures to tackle climate change.
他主动帮助邻居打扫卫生。
everydayHe took the initiative to help his neighbor clean up.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
掌握主动权
to hold the initiative
主动出击
to take the offensive
化被动为主动
to turn passive into active
Often Confused With
积极 means 'positive/enthusiastic', while 主动 specifically means 'taking the first step/initiative'.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe students' behavior or government policy stances.
Common Mistakes
Ensure you don't use it to mean 'physical movement' (use 运动 instead).
Memory Tip
主 (owner) + 动 (move) — being the 'owner' of your own 'movements'.
Word Origin
From '主' (owner/master) and '动' (move/action).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, 'acting proactively' (主动) is highly valued in work and education.
Quick Quiz
为了提高效率，我们需要___寻找解决办法。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 主动
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More psychology words
毅力
B2Persistence, willpower, or tenacity in the face of difficulties or delay in achieving success. It is a key personal quality often discussed in education and success topics.
韧性
B2The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. It can apply to materials (physical) or people/systems (metaphorical).
态度
B1A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior. In an academic context, it refers to the stance or perspective an author or speaker takes regarding a subject.
动机
B1The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way; motivation or motive.
适应
B1To adjust to new conditions or a new environment. It refers to the process of becoming suitable for a new situation through changes in behavior or thinking.
意图
B1A person's plan or aim; what someone intends to do by their actions.
满足
B1To fulfill a need, requirement, or desire. It can also describe the feeling of being satisfied.
意识
B1The state of being aware of one's surroundings; knowledge or realization of something; or the collective thoughts of a group.
偏见
B1An unfair and often negative opinion or feeling formed without enough thought or knowledge. It refers to a biased perspective against a person or group.
模仿
B1To copy the behavior, appearance, or speech of another person or thing.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free