積極的(せっきょくてき)

せっきょくてき
na-adjective
positive, proactive, active
descriptive
1. positive, proactive
Having a constructive and enthusiastic attitude. Taking initiative rather than waiting passively.
彼女(かのじょ)は積極的(せっきょくてき)な性格(せいかく)です。
She has a proactive personality.
もっと積極的(せっきょくてき)になりたい。
I want to become more proactive.
積極的(せっきょくてき)な姿勢(しせい)が評価(ひょうか)された。
The proactive attitude was highly regarded.
2. active, assertive
Acting decisively and with purpose.
積極的(せっきょくてき)に参加(さんか)してください。
Please participate actively.
授業(じゅぎょう)で積極的(せっきょくてき)に発言(はつげん)する学生(がくせい)は少(すく)ない。
There are few students who actively speak up in class.
新(あたら)しいことに積極的(せっきょくてき)に挑戦(ちょうせん)することが大切(たいせつ)だ。
It's important to actively take on new challenges.

積極的(せっきょくてき) describes a willing, forward-leaning attitude — taking initiative rather than waiting to be told. It is always positive in tone, implying enthusiasm and engagement.

Forms

  • Adverbial: 積極的(せっきょくてき)に (actively, proactively)
  • Noun modifier: 積極的(せっきょくてき)な + noun

Common patterns

Similar words

積極的(せっきょくてき) vs 消極的(しょうきょくてき) (passive, reluctant) is a very common antonym pair, often used when evaluating workplace performance or classroom participation.

Usage

Unlike English "aggressive," 積極的(せっきょくてき) carries no negative connotation. It is always used approvingly. For aggressive behavior, 攻撃的(こうげきてき) is used instead.

Related Words

Antonym: 消極的(しょうきょくてき) (passive, negative)
Compare: 果敢(かかん) (bold)
Related: 積極性(せっきょくせい) (proactiveness)
Compare: 受(う)け身(み) (passive)
Compare: 率先(そっせん) (taking the initiative)
Compare: 精力的(せいりょくてき) (energetic)
Compare: 肉食系(にくしょくけい) (assertive type)
Compare: 反応的(はんのうてき) (reactive)
Compare: 外向(そとむ)き (outward-looking)
general
Added 2026.1.9 20:41 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
01500/01585_sekkyokuteki