Passive describes a lack of initiative and a tendency to react rather than act.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Not taking initiative; waiting for action.
- Describes a state of being acted upon.
- Opposite of active or proactive.
Overview
“被动的” (bèi dòng de) 是一个形容词，用来描述一种不主动、不积极、不采取行动的状态。它强调的是个体或事物在某种情境下，不是主动发起或控制，而是受到外部力量、他人意愿或环境的驱使而发生反应或承受影响。这种状态与“主动的” (zhǔ dòng de) 形成鲜明对比。
“被动的”常用于描述人的性格、态度、行为方式，也可以用来形容事物的发展趋势或状态。它可以通过“是”、“显得”、“变得”等系动词连接，也可以直接修饰名词，如“被动的接受”、“被动的局面”。在否定句中，可以说“不被动”。
在日常生活中，“被动的”常用来形容一个人在人际关系、工作或学习中的态度，比如“他在这段关系中总是很被动，从不主动联系对方”。在描述工作或项目时，也可以说“我们不能总是处于被动的地位，需要主动出击”。在一些社会现象的讨论中，也可能出现，例如“一些人认为教育体制让学生过于被动”。
“消极的”更侧重于负面、不好的态度或影响，带有贬义，而“被动的”主要描述的是一种不主动的状态，不一定带有负面含义，有时也可能只是中性描述。例如，一个学生可能因为学习方法问题而显得被动，但这不一定意味着他态度消极。
“迟钝的”形容反应慢、不灵敏，通常指思维或感官上的反应速度慢，而“被动的”描述的是不主动采取行动，即使反应速度不慢，但缺乏主动性。
“顺从的”强调的是服从、听从他人，往往是出于尊重或屈服，而“被动的”更侧重于缺乏主动性，不一定有顺从的意味，可能只是因为没有选择或能力去主动。
Examples
他在团队中总是扮演一个被动的角色，很少发表自己的意见。
everydayHe always plays a passive role in the team, rarely expressing his own opinions.
我们必须改变被动的局面，主动寻求合作机会。
formalWe must change the passive situation and actively seek cooperation opportunities.
别老是被动的等消息，你也该主动问问情况。
informalDon't just passively wait for news all the time, you should also actively ask about the situation.
研究表明，过度依赖被动的学习方法可能阻碍批判性思维的发展。
academicResearch suggests that over-reliance on passive learning methods may hinder the development of critical thinking.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
被动的接受
to accept passively
被动响应
passive response
被动收入
passive income
Often Confused With
While 'passive' often implies a lack of action, 'negative' specifically refers to a detrimental or pessimistic attitude or outcome. Something can be passive without being inherently negative, but 'negative' almost always carries a bad connotation.
'Passive' describes a lack of initiative, whereas 'submissive' implies yielding to authority or the will of others. One can be passive because they don't care, while submission implies a degree of compliance or deference.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'passive' is neutral in itself but often carries a negative implication in contexts that value proactivity and initiative. It's commonly used to describe people's attitudes, behaviors, or the state of affairs. Be mindful of the register; while common in everyday conversation, its use in formal writing might sometimes be replaced by more specific descriptions depending on the nuance intended.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 'passive' with 'negative' or 'slow'. A passive person isn't necessarily negative or slow to react; they simply don't initiate action. Also, sometimes learners might use it where 'submissive' or 'obedient' would be more accurate.
Tips
Embrace Proactive Behavior
Try to identify situations where you tend to be passive and consciously choose to take initiative. This can lead to better outcomes and personal growth.
Avoid Passive Language
In writing and speaking, be mindful of using passive voice constructions unnecessarily, which can sometimes make your message seem less direct or confident.
Cultural Nuances of Passivity
In some cultures, being less assertive or more receptive might be valued, while in others, proactivity and directness are highly encouraged. Understand the context.
Word Origin
The word 'passive' comes from the Latin 'passivus', meaning 'undergoing or enduring', related to 'pati' meaning 'to suffer, endure'. This root highlights the core idea of being acted upon rather than acting.
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, proactivity and assertiveness are highly valued, making a passive approach often viewed critically. However, in some contexts or other cultures, receptiveness or patience might be seen as positive traits, influencing how 'passivity' is perceived.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone sitting on a couch, not moving or doing anything, just letting things happen around them. That's 'passive' – no action, just receiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“被动的”指不主动、不采取行动，而是等待或受影响。而“主动的”则表示积极发起、控制局面，自己采取行动。
当描述一个人不愿或不善于发起行动，或者事物发展不受控制，只能接受现状时，都可以使用“被动的”。例如，形容一个人在社交场合总是等待别人搭话，或者形容某个项目因缺乏资金而进展缓慢。
不一定。“被动的”主要描述一种状态，不一定带有负面含义。但很多时候，尤其在强调效率和进取的语境下，被动状态可能被视为不理想或需要改进的。
是的，“被动的”不仅可以形容人，也可以形容事物或局面。例如，可以说“市场对新产品的反应很被动”，或者“公司目前处于被动的局面”。
Test Yourself
在这个项目中，他总是表现得很______，从不主动提出建议。
句意是说他从不主动，所以应用“被动的”来形容。
面对突如其来的变化，我们不能一直______，需要积极应对。
句子的意思是不能一直处于不主动的状态，需要积极应对，因此“被动”最合适。
他 / 总是 / 接受 / 被动的 / 安排
这个选项符合中文的语序和逻辑，表示他总是以一种被动的方式接受安排。
Score: /3
Summary
Passive describes a lack of initiative and a tendency to react rather than act.
- Not taking initiative; waiting for action.
- Describes a state of being acted upon.
- Opposite of active or proactive.
Embrace Proactive Behavior
Try to identify situations where you tend to be passive and consciously choose to take initiative. This can lead to better outcomes and personal growth.
Avoid Passive Language
In writing and speaking, be mindful of using passive voice constructions unnecessarily, which can sometimes make your message seem less direct or confident.
Cultural Nuances of Passivity
In some cultures, being less assertive or more receptive might be valued, while in others, proactivity and directness are highly encouraged. Understand the context.
Examples
4 of 4他在团队中总是扮演一个被动的角色，很少发表自己的意见。
He always plays a passive role in the team, rarely expressing his own opinions.
我们必须改变被动的局面，主动寻求合作机会。
We must change the passive situation and actively seek cooperation opportunities.
别老是被动的等消息，你也该主动问问情况。
Don't just passively wait for news all the time, you should also actively ask about the situation.
研究表明，过度依赖被动的学习方法可能阻碍批判性思维的发展。
Research suggests that over-reliance on passive learning methods may hinder the development of critical thinking.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
