Meaning
积极 describes a positive, proactive attitude or behavior. It refers to being enthusiastic, energetic, and taking initiative rather than being passive. The word emphasizes a forward-looking, optimistic approach to tasks, responsibilities, or life in general.
Usage
Commonly used to describe people's attitudes, participation, or responses. Often paired with verbs like 参加 (to participate), 回应 (to respond), or 工作 (to work). It's a positive character trait in Chinese culture and frequently appears in workplace evaluations, school reports, and motivational contexts. Can describe both mental attitudes and concrete actions.
Examples
- 01她在工作中表现得非常积极。.She performs very actively at work.
- 02我们要积极面对生活中的困难。.We need to face difficulties in life with a positive attitude.
Characters
Common collocations
- 积极性enthusiasm, initiative
- 积极参加to actively participate
- 积极态度positive attitude
- 积极响应to respond positively/actively
Antonyms
Origin
The combination literally means 'accumulated to the extreme,' suggesting something built up to a maximum positive degree. 积 originally referred to grain storage (accumulation), while 极 means 'ultimate' or 'pole,' together creating the sense of reaching the highest point of positivity or activity.