(はんのうてき)

はんのうてき
adjective
reactive; responsive
1. reactive; responsive; acting in response to stimuli
Tending to react or respond to events rather than taking initiative. Used in scientific, psychological, and general contexts.
反応的(はんのうてき)対応(たいおう)では(おそ)い。
A reactive response is too late.
反応的(はんのうてき)ではなく能動的(のうどうてき)行動(こうどう)すべきだ。
We should act proactively, not reactively.
問題(もんだい)()きてから反応的(はんのうてき)(うご)くのではなく、事前(じぜん)計画(けいかく)()てることが大切(たいせつ)だ。
Rather than reacting after problems arise, it is important to plan in advance.

Composed of 反応(はんのう) (reaction, response) + (てき) (suffix forming na-adjectives). Often used in contrast with 能動的(のうどうてき) (proactive) or 積極的(せっきょくてき) (active, assertive). In business and management contexts, being 反応的(はんのうてき) typically carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of initiative.

In chemistry and science, it can also describe substances that readily undergo chemical reactions.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 反応的(はんのうてき)態度(たいど): reactive attitude
  • 反応的(はんのうてき)対応(たいおう): reactive response
  • 反応的(はんのうてき)姿勢(しせい): reactive stance
  • 反応的(はんのうてき)行動(こうどう): reactive behavior

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 受動的(じゅどうてき): passive — emphasizes lack of action, whereas 反応的(はんのうてき) implies acting only after being prompted
  • 能動的(のうどうてき): proactive, active — the opposite; acting on one's own initiative
  • 積極的(せっきょくてき): assertive, enthusiastic — positive connotation of taking initiative