積極的

• Reading: せっきょくてき
• Romaji: sekkyokuteki
• Kanji breakdown: 積 (seki) — pile up, accumulate; 極 (kyoku) — extreme, pole; 的 (teki) — -like, -istic
• Pronunciation: /sek.kjo.kɯ.te.ki/

Meaning

Positive; proactive; assertive. Taking initiative and engaging actively.

A na-adjective (積極的な) used to describe a forward-thinking, action-oriented attitude. Highly valued in workplace and educational settings. The opposite is 消極的 (passive/negative). Often used in job evaluations and self-improvement contexts.

Examples

1. 授業で積極的に発言する学生が増えた。 More students have been actively participating in class.
2. 積極的な姿勢が仕事では大切です。 A proactive attitude is important at work.
3. もっと積極的に人と話したほうがいい。 You should try talking to people more proactively.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, school, self-improvement

Tone: encouraging

Origin & History

Compound of 積極 (sekkyoku, positive/active) and 的 (teki, -like/-istic). 積 means to pile up and 極 means extreme or pole, suggesting pushing toward the utmost — maximum effort.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal