消极 (xiāojí)

消极 describes a negative, passive, or pessimistic attitude or approach, the opposite of 积极 (positive, proactive).

Meanings

[adjective] negative; passive; pessimistic; lacking motivation or a positive outlook

Example Sentences

我们不应该用消极的态度面对困难。 Wǒmen bù yīnggāi yòng xiāojí de tàidu miànduì kùnnán. We should not face difficulties with a negative attitude.

他最近情绪很消极，不愿意参加活动。 Tā zuìjìn qíngxù hěn xiāojí, bù yuànyì cānjiā huódòng. He has been very negative lately and unwilling to join activities.

消极的想法会影响你的工作表现。 Xiāojí de xiǎngfǎ huì yǐngxiǎng nǐ de gōngzuò biǎoxiàn. Negative thinking will affect your work performance.

面对失败，不要消极，要从中学习。 Miànduì shībài, bùyào xiāojí, yào cóng zhōng xuéxí. When facing failure, don't be pessimistic; learn from it.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
消极态度	negative attitude
消极情绪	negative emotions
消极影响	negative influence
消极思想	pessimistic thinking

Usage Notes

消极 is the direct antonym of 积极 (proactive, positive). It describes attitudes and behaviors that are passive or unproductive. In Chinese it can refer to pessimism in mood as well as passivity in action. In academic contexts it also appears in the phrase 消极影响 (negative impact).

Memory Hook

消 means "to diminish" and 极 means "extreme": 消极 is at the extreme of diminishing, where all motivation and positivity have faded away.