Translation

• to take the initiative
• to do sth of one's own accord
• spontaneous
• active
• opposite: passive 被動|被动[bei4 dong4]
• drive (of gears and shafts etc)

Synonyms

• 再接再厉, 力争上游, 干劲冲天, 当仁不让, 知难而进, 积极, 积极向上, 积极性, 肯干, 能动

Examples

• 他主动帮他妈妈做家务。
  He takes the initiative in helping his mother do the housework.