zyu2 dung6 kyun4主動權主动权
Jyutpingzyu2 dung6 kyun4
Yalejyú duhng kyùhn
Definition
Initiative; the power or right to take active steps or make decisions.
neutralworkother
How it's used
Focuses on the power to control the direction or outcome of a situation. It is frequently paired with verbs like 攞返, 掌握, or 失去 to describe the shifting balance of power in negotiations, relationships, or competitive scenarios.
Examples
We must regain the initiative.
How can you manage to take the initiative?
Related words
Common phrases
to hold the initiative
to lose the initiative
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the verb phrase 主動, which means to take initiative or act proactively. Remember that 主動權 is a noun representing the actual right or position of control, not the act of being proactive itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
