主动 zhǔdòng to take the initiative
to take the initiative; to do something of one's own accord; spontaneous; active; opposite: passive 被动; drive (of gears and shafts etc)
How to remember 主动: 主 lord + 动 move = to take the initiative.
Characters
How it is used
- Adverb before a verb describing proactive behavior: 主动帮忙 (help without being asked), 主动打招呼 (greet someone first).
- Also stands alone as an adjective: 他很主动 - he's very forthcoming/proactive.
- Direct opposite of 被动 (bèidòng, passive) - a common contrast pair in workplace and relationship talk, 被动学习 (bèidòng xuéxí) passive learning.
Example sentences
- 你必须积极主动。 Nǐ bìxū jījízhǔdòng.You have to be proactive.