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March 24, 2026
主动(主動)zhǔdòng(zhu3dong4)
主动 (zhǔdòng) means taking the initiative or acting on one’s own accord without being prompted. It is often used in contexts such as workplace attitudes, personal relationships, and decision-making, highlighting a proactive rather than passive approach.
Frequency#3334DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being '主动' is often seen as a virtue, especially in the workplace, where taking initiative can lead to better opportunities and respect. This contrasts with more passive cultural norms in some Western contexts where waiting for direction can be acceptable.
Memory Tip
Think of '主动' as a person jumping into action (主动) instead of waiting for instructions. The '主' (zhǔ) part suggests being the 'master' or 'leader,' while '动' (dòng) means 'to move.' Picture someone leading a group, eagerly moving forward on their own.
Meanings of 主动
zhǔdòng(zhu3dong4)
1to take the initiative
2to do sth of one's own accord
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 主动
主动Simplified
主動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
区别词distinguishing word (dist.)Part of Speech
#3334Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 主动
Podcast: 主动
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AI Study Notes for 主动
Quick Contrast
主动 (zhǔdòng) vs 消极 (xiāojí) — choose 主动 to emphasize a proactive approach, while 消极 indicates a passive or negative stance.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '主动' as a person jumping into action (主动) instead of waiting for instructions. The '主' (zhǔ) part suggests being the 'master' or 'leader,' while '动' (dòng) means 'to move.' Picture someone leading a group, eagerly moving forward on their own.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that '主动' is positive and conveys initiative, while its opposite, '被动' (bèidòng), indicates passivity. Common collocations include '主动学习' (active learning) and '主动请缨' (volunteering for a task). Avoid confusing it with similar terms that imply obligation rather than initiative.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '主动' connects to themes of agency and action, which are crucial in everyday conversation. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe decision-making or personal initiative to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being '主动' is often seen as a virtue, especially in the workplace, where taking initiative can lead to better opportunities and respect. This contrasts with more passive cultural norms in some Western contexts where waiting for direction can be acceptable.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '主动' with '积极' (jījí), which also means active but has a slightly different connotation. For example, saying '他很积极' (Tā hěn jījí) is correct, but saying '他很主动' (Tā hěn zhǔdòng) in contexts requiring passive initiative may be misleading.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 主动
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Grammar Patterns of 主动
主动 carries 8 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她既然____提出帮助照看孩子，我也就同意了。
Since she'd offered to babysit, I took her up on it.
Example Sentences for 主动 (10)
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1
她既然主动提出帮助照看孩子，我也就同意了。
tā jì rán zhǔ dòng tí chū bāng zhù zhào kàn hái zǐ， ， wǒ yě jiù tóng yì。
Since she'd offered to babysit, I took her up on it.
2
房间很安静，无人主动提供更多的信息。
fáng jiān hěn ān jìng， ， wú rén zhǔ dòng tí gōng gēng duō de xìn。
The room was quiet; no one volunteered any further information.
We look for applicants who are numerate, computer-literate and energetic self-starters.
6
爱德华八世竟主动逊位，真是匪夷所思。
ài dé huá bā shì jìng zhǔ dòng xùn wèi， ， zhēn shì fěi yí suǒ。
Edward VIII had done the unthinkable and abdicated the throne.
7
本句子用的是主动语态.
běn jù zǐ yòng de shì zhǔ dòng yǔ tài.
This sentence is in the active voice.
8
彼得主动提出教他们滑水。
bǐ dé zhǔ dòng tí chū jiào tā mén huá shuǐ。
Peter offered to teach them water-skiing.
9
他主动提出教他们滑水。
tā zhǔ dòng tí chū jiào tā mén huá shuǐ。
He offered to teach them water-skiing.
10
玛莎主动提出去洗餐具。
mǎ suō zhǔ dòng tí chū qù xǐ cān jù。
Martha volunteered to do the washing-up.
Cultural Notes for 主动
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being '主动' is often seen as a virtue, especially in the workplace, where taking initiative can lead to better opportunities and respect. This contrasts with more passive cultural norms in some Western contexts where waiting for direction can be acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions about 主动
'主动' can be used in a sentence like '他在工作中非常主动' (Tā zài gōngzuò zhōng fēicháng zhǔdòng), meaning 'He is very proactive at work.'
The opposite of '主动' is '被动' (bèidòng), which means passive or inactive.
'主动' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing attitudes or behaviors.
