(せっきょくてき)

せっきょくてき
na-adjective
positive, proactive, active
1. positive, proactive
Having a constructive and enthusiastic attitude. Taking initiative rather than waiting passively.
彼女(かのじょ)積極的(せっきょくてき)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)なりたい
I want to become more proactive.
積極的(せっきょくてき)姿勢(しせい)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)参加(さんか)してください
Please participate actively.
There are few students who actively speak up in class.
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:

  • 積極的(せっきょくてき)()()む: tackle something proactively
  • 積極的(せっきょくてき)姿勢(しせい): positive/proactive attitude
  • 積極的(せっきょくてき)参加(さんか)する: participate actively
  • 積極的(せっきょくてき)発言(はつげん)する: speak up actively

CONTRAST:
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.

NOTE:
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.