被动

• Pinyin: bèi dòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 被 = 衤(clothes) + 皮 (skin, phonetic); 动 = 云 + 力 (strength)

Meaning

Passive; reactive. Not taking initiative; responding to rather than initiating actions.

Opposite of 主动 (proactive/active). Used in grammar (被动语态 passive voice), psychology, strategy, and everyday situations. Can have negative connotation implying lack of initiative.

Examples

1. 在谈判中处于被动地位的一方往往很难争取到好的条件。 The party in a passive position during negotiations often finds it difficult to secure good terms.
2. 与其被动地等待机会，不如主动出击创造机会。 Rather than passively waiting for opportunities, it's better to take initiative and create them.
3. 学英语不能太被动，要多开口说才能进步。 Learning English can't be too passive; you need to speak more to make progress.

Usage Guide

Context: business, psychology, grammar

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 他总是很被动。(He's always so passive.)
• 我们不能这么被动。(We can't be this passive.)

Don't Say

• 用'被动'形容一个积极的等待——比如战略性等待应该说'伺机而动' (Don't use 被动 for strategic waiting — use 伺机而动 for biding one's time)

Origin & History

Compound of 被 (by/passive marker) + 动 (move), indicating movement caused by external forces rather than self-initiated.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal