受動的

• Reading: じゅどうてき
• Romaji: judouteki
• Kanji breakdown: 受 (ju/u) — receive, accept; 動 (dou/ugo) — move, motion; 的 (teki) — -like, -ical
• Pronunciation: /dʑɯ.doː.te.ki/

Meaning

Passive; reactive; lacking initiative. Acting only in response to external stimuli.

A na-adjective describing a passive attitude or approach — waiting to be told what to do rather than taking initiative. Derived from 受動 (passive, as in grammar or physics) plus 的. Often used with a mildly negative connotation in business and education, where proactivity is valued. Contrasts with 主体的 (proactive) and 能動的 (active). Also used as a technical term in grammar for the passive voice (受動態).

Examples

1. 受動的な姿勢では成長の機会を逃してしまう。 A passive attitude causes you to miss opportunities for growth.
2. 彼はいつも受動的で自分から意見を言わない。 He's always passive and never speaks up on his own.
3. 受動的に情報を受け取るだけでなく自分で考えることが大切だ。 It's important not just to passively receive information, but to think for yourself.

Usage Guide

Context: education, business, psychology

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From 受動 (judou, passive reception) plus 的 (teki, -like/-ical). 受 means 'receive' and 動 means 'move.' Literally: 'moving only upon receiving' — acting only when prompted.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal