主动 (zhǔdòng)

主动 describes the quality of acting proactively, on one's own accord, rather than waiting to be told or prompted by others.

Meanings

[adjective] active; proactive; taking the lead
[adverb] on one's own initiative; voluntarily; without being asked

Example Sentences

她主动帮我搬家，我很感动。 Tā zhǔdòng bāng wǒ bānjiā, wǒ hěn gǎndòng. She proactively helped me move house, and I was very touched.

学生应该主动问问题。 Xuésheng yīnggāi zhǔdòng wèn wèntí. Students should actively ask questions.

他主动承认了自己的错误。 Tā zhǔdòng chéngrèn le zìjǐ de cuòwù. He took the initiative to admit his own mistake.

你要主动一点，别总是等着别人来找你。 Nǐ yào zhǔdòng yīdiǎn, bié zǒng shì děngzhe biérén lái zhǎo nǐ. You should be more proactive; don't always wait for others to come to you.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
主动帮忙 (zhǔdòng bāngmáng)	to proactively offer help
主动联系 (zhǔdòng liánxi)	to reach out on one's own initiative
主动学习 (zhǔdòng xuéxí)	to study proactively
采取主动 (cǎiqǔ zhǔdòng)	to take the initiative

Memory Hook

主 means "master/owner" and 动 means "move/act" — the person who is the master of their own actions moves first without being told.