Significado
To be the first to start something.
Contexto cultural
In modern Russian companies (especially in IT), taking initiative is highly rewarded. However, in older, state-owned enterprises, it's still wise to 'read the room' before being too proactive. Traditionally, men were expected to take the initiative in dating. Today, this is changing, but many Russians still appreciate 'gentlemanly' proactivity. The phrase 'Инициатива наказуема' (Initiative is punishable) is a famous joke reflecting the risks of being too active in a rigid system. Use it to show you understand Russian dark humor. Russian schools are moving from a 'listen and repeat' model to one that encourages students to 'взять на себя инициативу' in projects.
Job Interview Gold
Use this phrase in interviews to sound like a leader. It's much stronger than just saying 'I worked hard'.
Don't forget 'На'
Without 'на', the phrase 'взять себя' means something completely different (to pull oneself together).
Significado
To be the first to start something.
Job Interview Gold
Use this phrase in interviews to sound like a leader. It's much stronger than just saying 'I worked hard'.
Don't forget 'На'
Without 'на', the phrase 'взять себя' means something completely different (to pull oneself together).
The 'Punishable' Joke
If someone asks you to do extra work because you were proactive, you can jokingly say: 'Ну вот, инициатива наказуема!'
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words in the correct form.
Вчера на собрании Анна ______ на ______ инициативу.
Anna is feminine, so we use 'взяла'. The reflexive pronoun is always 'себя' in this phrase.
Which sentence is the most professional way to say you were proactive?
Как лучше сказать о своей активности на работе?
'Взять на себя инициативу' is the standard professional collocation.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
1. Перехватить инициативу, 2. Проявить инициативу, 3. Взять на себя инициативу
'Перехватить' is competitive, 'проявить' is about showing a quality, 'взять' is about assuming responsibility.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Vzyat vs. Proyavit
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosВчера на собрании Анна ______ на ______ инициативу.
Anna is feminine, so we use 'взяла'. The reflexive pronoun is always 'себя' in this phrase.
Как лучше сказать о своей активности на работе?
'Взять на себя инициативу' is the standard professional collocation.
1. Перехватить инициативу, 2. Проявить инициативу, 3. Взять на себя инициативу
'Перехватить' is competitive, 'проявить' is about showing a quality, 'взять' is about assuming responsibility.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it's very common when deciding on plans or activities.
Yes, but 'на себя' adds a layer of personal responsibility that sounds more natural in Russian.
It's neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for the office but not too stiff for a dinner party.
You could say 'быть пассивным' (to be passive) or 'ждать указаний' (to wait for instructions).
Я возьму, ты возьмёшь, он возьмёт, мы возьмём, вы возьмёте, они возьмут.
Generally positive, as it shows leadership. However, the 'punishable' proverb adds a layer of ironic caution.
Absolutely. It's the standard way to describe making the first move.
'Взять' is the action of taking charge; 'проявить' is showing the quality of being proactive.
Yes, it ends in -а, so it is a feminine noun.
It sounds a bit dramatic for small things. Use it for things that actually require a 'lead'.
Frases relacionadas
проявить инициативу
similarTo show initiative
взять на себя ответственность
builds onTo take responsibility
перехватить инициативу
specialized formTo seize the initiative
выступить с инициативой
formalTo come forward with an initiative
быть заводилой
informalTo be the ringleader
