Korean word

수동적

Pronunciation

Romanizationsudongjeok

Meaning

  • adjectivepassive

Example

그는 변화에 대해 수동적이다.keu neun pyeon hwa e tae hae su dong jeo gi da

He is passive about change.

Illustration for 수동적 (passive)

More examples

토론에서 그는 계속 수동적이었다.to ro ne seo keu neun kye sok su dong jeo gi eot tta

During the discussion, he continued to be passive.

Core concept

A person or group lets outside forces shape what happens instead of taking the lead.

Common phrases

  • 수동적인 태도su dong jeo gin tae do

    passive attitude

  • 수동적인 경향su dong jeo gin kyeong hyang

    passive tendency

Similar words

소극적sogeukjjeok: Holding back from speaking or acting, with little initiative.
의존적uijonjeok: Relying on other people for decisions or help and struggling to manage alone.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일에 대해 주체적으로 움직이지 않고 남의 영향이나 환경 변화에 의해 좌우되는 성질을 나타내는 형용사.eo tteon i re tae hae chu che jeo geu ro um ji gi ji an ko na mui yeong hyang i na hwan gyeong pyeon hwa e ui hae chwa u doe neun seong ji reul na ta nae neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

The word combines the Sino-Korean elements for receiving and moving with the suffix meaning related to, forming the idea of being acted on rather than acting.

Usage tips

  • Unlike passive in some English grammar lessons, this adjective often describes a person's attitude or behavior and may sound mildly critical.

Opposites

Related words

  • 수동성sudongseongpassivitynoun
  • 수동적으로sudongjeogeuropassivelyadverb

Word lists with this word