Japanese word

積極的

Pronunciation

Romajisekkyokuteki

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveactive

Example

彼女は新しい仕事に積極的に取り組みます。kano jo wa atara shi i shi goto ni sek kyoku teki ni to ri ku mi ma su

She actively works on new tasks.

Illustration for 積極的 (active)

More examples

初対面の人にも積極的に話しかけます。hatsu tai men no hito ni mo sek kyoku teki ni hana shi ka ke ma su

I proactively start conversations even with people I meet for the first time.

Core concept

Describes taking the initiative to become involved and act with clear willingness rather than waiting passively.

Common phrases

  • 積極的に話しかけるsek kyoku teki ni hana shi ka ke ru

    proactively start a conversation

  • 積極的に参加するsek kyoku teki ni san ka su ru

    participate actively

  • 積極的に意見を言うsek kyoku teki ni i ken o yū

    actively share opinions

Similar words

前向きmaemuki: Shows a positive attitude toward a situation, task, or future possibility.
意欲的iyokuteki: Shows a strong desire and motivation to achieve a goal or do something.
自発的jihatsuteki: Describes action taken by personal choice without being prompted by others.

Definition in Japanese

自分から進んで物事に関わり、意欲的に行動するさま。ji bun ka ra susu n de mono goto ni kaka wa ri i yoku teki ni kō dō su ru sa ma

Word origin

The Japanese word 積極的 (sekkyokuteki, "active") combines 積 (seki, "pile up"), 極 (kyoku, "extreme"), and 的 (teki, "having the nature of").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 積極的 (sekkyokuteki) can describe a person who takes action and gets involved, not merely someone who is physically active.

Other meanings

  • proactivena-adjective
  • assertivena-adjective
  • positivena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 積極性sekkyokuseiproactivitynoun

Word lists with this word