zyu2 dung6主動主动
Jyutpingzyu2 dung6
Yalejyú duhng
Definition
Proactive; taking the initiative to act voluntarily without needing encouragement or orders.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used to describe someone who takes the first step in social interactions or romantic pursuits. It carries a positive connotation of being self-motivated and energetic. When someone is described as 主動, it implies they have a clear sense of agency and do not require external pressure to act.
Examples
Be more proactive at work, don't wait for the boss to speak every time.
Related words
Common phrases
to take the initiative and make a move
to proactively help out
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean simply 'active' in a physical sense, as it specifically refers to the internal motivation to initiate an action. It is not a direct translation for being 'busy' or 'energetic' in a general way.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
