Japanese word

消極的

Pronunciation

Romajishōkyokuteki

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveunassertive

Example

彼女は人前で消極的です。kano jo wa hito mae de shō kyoku teki de su

She is unassertive in public.

Illustration for 消極的 (unassertive)

More examples

グループ活動では、消極的にならずに自分の意見を伝えることが大切です。gu rū pu katsu dō de wa shō kyoku teki ni na ra zu ni ji bun no i ken o tsuta e ru ko to ga tai setsu de su

When taking part in group activities, it is important to speak up instead of holding back.

Core concept

Indicates a tendency to remain on the sidelines instead of actively engaging, speaking up, or working toward an aim.

Common phrases

  • 消極的な態度shō kyoku teki na tai do

    an unassertive attitude

  • 消極的になるshō kyoku teki ni na ru

    become unassertive

Similar words

引っ込み思案hikkomishian: Shy and reluctant to speak or join activities with others.
受け身ukemi: Waiting for others to act or decide instead of taking the initiative.
控えめhikaeme: Showing restraint in speech or behavior and avoiding forceful self-expression.

Definition in Japanese

物事に自分から関わろうとせず、行動や発言を控えめにするさま。mono goto ni ji bun ka ra kaka wa rō to se zu kō dō ya hatsu gen o hika e me ni su ru sa ma

Word origin

消極的 (shōkyokuteki) is a Sino-Japanese formation from 消 (shō, "diminish"), 極 (kyoku, "limit"), and 的 (teki, "-like"), with a meaning opposed to 積極的 (sekkyokuteki).

Usage tips

  • When 消極的 (shōkyokuteki) refers to someone speaking in public, English usually favors unassertive or reserved over passive because passive has several other common meanings.

Other meanings

  • passivena-adjective
  • negativena-adjective
  • unmotivatedna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 消極性shōkyokuseiunassertivenessnoun

Word lists with this word