About

The word 主动 is formed by combining the character 主 (zhǔ), which carries the core meaning of "master", "primary", or "to host", with the character 动 (dòng), meaning "to move" or "action". Conceptually, it fuses the idea of being the "master" or initiating source with the concept of "movement", creating a compound that visually and semantically depicts action originating from one's own volition. Thus, it embodies the notion of "master-driven movement" or "self-initiated action", directly conveying its meaning of "proactive" or "taking the initiative" through this intrinsic pictorial and ideological marriage.

Example Sentences Hide

主动帮助同学。

Tā zhǔdòng bāngzhù tóngxué.

He actively helps his classmates.

妹妹主动向老师提问。

Mèimei zhǔdòng xiàng lǎoshī tíwèn.

My younger sister took the initiative to ask the teacher a question.

在工作中,他总是很主动

Zài gōngzuò zhōng, tā zǒng shì hěn zhǔdòng.

At work, he is always very proactive.

如果你主动承认错误,大家会原谅你。

Rúguǒ nǐ zhǔdòng chéngrèn cuòwù, dàjiā huì yuánliàng nǐ.

If you take the initiative to admit your mistake, everyone will forgive you.

她不仅主动承担了额外的项目,还提前完成了任务。

Tā bùjǐn zhǔdòng chéngdānle éwài de xiàngmù, hái tíqián wánchéngle rènwù.

She not only proactively took on the extra project but also completed the task ahead of schedule.

Word Definition - 主动

zhǔ dòng to take the initiative; to do sth of one's own accord; spontaneous; active; opposite: passive 被動|被动[bèi dòng]; drive (of gears and shafts etc)

Individual Character Details