Initiative in Different Languages
Discover 'Initiative' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.
Updated on March 6, 2024
The word 'initiative' holds great significance in our daily lives, emphasizing proactive actions and self-starting attitudes. Its cultural importance is undeniable, as many societies value those who take the first step and show leadership. But what about when we want to express this concept in different languages? Understanding the translation of 'initiative' can open up new avenues of communication and cultural appreciation.
Did you know that 'initiative' is 'initiativ' in German and 'initiativt' in Swedish, reflecting their shared Germanic roots? Or that in Japanese, it's 'いし動き' (ishidōki), emphasizing the connection between ideas and action? These translations not only help us navigate language barriers but also offer insights into how different cultures perceive and prioritize proactive behavior.
So, whether you're learning a new language, exploring cultural nuances, or simply looking to expand your vocabulary, discovering the translation of 'initiative' is a rewarding journey. Keep reading to uncover more fascinating translations and cultural insights!
Initiative
Initiative in Sub-Saharan African Languages
| Afrikaans | inisiatief | ||
| In Afrikaans, 'inisatief' can also refer to a person who is willing to take the lead. | |||
| Amharic | ተነሳሽነት | ||
| Hausa | himma | ||
| The Hausa word "himma" also means "resolution" and "ambition" in Arabic. | |||
| Igbo | ebumnuche | ||
| In Igbo, "ebumnuche" can also mean "a good beginning or a commendable start." | |||
| Malagasy | fandraisana an-tanana | ||
| Originally, the word “fandraisana an-tanana” had no political meaning and referred to “the way to the village”, hence the duty of supporting or welcoming newcomers. | |||
| Nyanja (Chichewa) | kanthu | ||
| The word "kanthu" in Nyanja (Chichewa) also refers to the first fruits of a harvest. | |||
| Shona | danho | ||
| The word "danho" can also be used to describe someone who is bold, or taking the lead, although it is most commonly used to describe the concept of initiative. | |||
| Somali | dadaal | ||
| The word "dadaal" can also mean "effort" or "struggle" in Somali. | |||
| Sesotho | bohato ba pele | ||
| The Sesotho word "Bohato ba pele" is derived from the two words "bohato" which means "responsibility" and "pele" which means "self". Together these words convey the idea of taking responsibility for oneself, thus "initiative". | |||
| Swahili | mpango | ||
| The word "mpango" also means a plan, a project, a scheme, or an intention. | |||
| Xhosa | inyathelo | ||
| "Inyathelo" derives from the verb "thenga" (take) and the noun "umthetho" (law) | |||
| Yoruba | ipilẹṣẹ | ||
| 'Ipileṣẹ' also refers to the first fruits of the year, typically dedicated to the gods in traditional Yoruba culture. | |||
| Zulu | isinyathelo | ||
| "Isinyathelo" in Zulu also denotes a 'will' or 'intention,' implying a sense of personal agency and self-determination. | |||
| Bambara | hakilinan | ||
| Ewe | dze nu gɔme | ||
| Kinyarwanda | kwibwiriza | ||
| Lingala | likanisi | ||
| Luganda | ekikwekweeto | ||
| Sepedi | boitlhagišetšo | ||
| Twi (Akan) | deɛ obi de aba | ||
Initiative in North African & Middle Eastern Languages
| Arabic | مبادرة | ||
| The Arabic word "مبادرة" can also refer to a "starting point" or a "preliminary action". | |||
| Hebrew | יוזמה | ||
| The word "יוזמה" in Hebrew can also mean "project" or "activity." | |||
| Pashto | نوښت | ||
| "نوښت" also refers to a new or innovative creation, a plan or project. | |||
| Arabic | مبادرة | ||
| The Arabic word "مبادرة" can also refer to a "starting point" or a "preliminary action". | |||
Initiative in Western European Languages
| Albanian | iniciativë | ||
| The word "iniciativë" (initiative) in Albanian is derived from the Latin word "initiativa" and also means "momentum" or "impulse". | |||
| Basque | ekimena | ||
| In Basque, "ekimena" also refers to a "project" or "activity". | |||
| Catalan | iniciativa | ||
| The Catalan word “iniciativa” has the same origin as the English word “initiative” and also means “inauguration” and “beginning”. | |||
| Croatian | inicijativa | ||
| The root of the word "inicijativa" in Croatian is the Latin word "initium", meaning "beginning" or "inception". | |||
| Danish | initiativ | ||
| The Danish word "initiativ" can also mean "step taken by a political party to form a government". | |||
| Dutch | initiatief | ||
| The Dutch word 'initiatief' comes from the Latin verb 'initiare', meaning 'to set in motion' or 'to begin'. | |||
| English | initiative | ||
| "Initiative" originally meant "action at the beginning of a battle," later "any action by which the person taking it gets an advantage over an adversary." | |||
| French | initiative | ||
| The word “initiative” comes from the Latin word “initium”, meaning “beginning” or “commencement”. | |||
| Frisian | inisjatyf | ||
| The Frisian word "inisjatyf" is derived from the Latin word "initiativa", which means "beginning" or "commencement". | |||
| Galician | iniciativa | ||
| In Galician, "iniciativa" can mean both "initiative" and "engagement". | |||
| German | initiative | ||
| The German word "Initiative" can also mean "introductory act". | |||
| Icelandic | frumkvæði | ||
| In Old Norse, frumkvæði meant "creation" and was derived from the words frumr (meaning beginning or origin) and kvæði (meaning poetry or song). | |||
| Irish | tionscnamh | ||
| The word 'tionscnamh' also means 'origin' or 'beginning' in Irish. | |||
| Italian | iniziativa | ||
| The word "iniziativa" is derived from the Latin "initiare," meaning "to begin" or "to start," and has a broader meaning in Italian, encompassing not only personal or individual initiatives but also those of organizations, institutions, or even the government. | |||
| Luxembourgish | initiativ | ||
| In Luxembourgish, "Initiativ" also refers to a group of people who join forces to achieve a common goal, similar to an "action group". | |||
| Maltese | inizjattiva | ||
| The Maltese word "inizjattiva" is a loan word from Italian and has the same meaning in both languages. | |||
| Norwegian | initiativ | ||
| As an uncountable noun, "initiativ" means "the ability, willingness, or power to do something" | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | iniciativa | ||
| 'Iniciativa' originates from Latin 'initiativa' which in Portuguese can also mean 'opening' or the 'first action' of a process. | |||
| Scots Gaelic | iomairt | ||
| The alternate meaning of 'iomairt' is 'great endeavor'. | |||
| Spanish | iniciativa | ||
| The Spanish word "iniciativa" is derived from the Latin words "initium" (beginning) and "capere" (to take), implying a sense of starting an action or process. | |||
| Swedish | initiativ | ||
| "Initiativ" can also refer to the first course of a meal or a voluntary army unit in Swedish. | |||
| Welsh | menter | ||
| In ancient Welsh, 'menter' referred to 'advice', 'thought' and 'the right course to take'. | |||
Initiative in Eastern European Languages
| Belarusian | ініцыятыва | ||
| The word ініцыятыва (initiative) in Belarusian derives from the Latin word "initiare" (to begin, to initiate), and in modern usage it also carries the meaning of "self-starter". | |||
| Bosnian | inicijativa | ||
| Inicijativa is a Latin loanword meaning 'act of beginning something' or 'a proposal for a new law or policy'. | |||
| Bulgarian | инициатива | ||
| The Bulgarian word "инициатива" is derived from the Latin word "initiativa", meaning "a beginning". | |||
| Czech | iniciativa | ||
| In Czech, iniciativa means 'initiative', but can also refer to a 'draft' or 'motion' in a formal setting. | |||
| Estonian | initsiatiiv | ||
| The Estonian word "initsiatiiv" can also mean "drive" or "ambition". | |||
| Finnish | aloite | ||
| In archaic Finnish, particularly in runic poetry, aloite can also refer to a charm, incantation, or magical spell. | |||
| Hungarian | kezdeményezés | ||
| The word "kezdeményezés" literally means "the act of beginning" or "the first step" in Hungarian. | |||
| Latvian | iniciatīvs | ||
| "Iniciatīvs" can also mean "the first thing one does when going out." This sense of the word originated in the Baltic German word "Initiative." | |||
| Lithuanian | iniciatyva | ||
| Lithuanian "iniciatyva" originates from Latin "initiativa", which itself derives from the verb "inire" (to enter) and means "the act of entering" or "a beginning; first step". | |||
| Macedonian | иницијатива | ||
| The word "иницијатива" in Macedonian can also refer to a proposal or suggestion. | |||
| Polish | inicjatywa | ||
| The word "inicjatywa" in Polish shares the same origin with the Latin word "initio" (to begin) and the French word "initier" (to introduce), showcasing its connotation with initiating actions. | |||
| Romanian | inițiativă | ||
| The Romanian word "inițiativă" is derived from the Latin word "initiativa", meaning "beginning" or "commencement". | |||
| Russian | инициатива | ||
| In Russian, инициатива can also mean 'consecration' or 'sacrament' in a religious context. | |||
| Serbian | иницијатива | ||
| In Serbian, the word "иницијатива" can also refer to the first letter of a name or a monogram. | |||
| Slovak | iniciatíva | ||
| The word "iniciatíva" in Slovak also refers to the right to propose a bill or amendment to the Parliament. | |||
| Slovenian | pobuda | ||
| The word "pobuda" is rooted in the Old Slavic word "bud", meaning "to be awake" and signifies someone being spurred into action. | |||
| Ukrainian | ініціатива | ||
| The Ukrainian word "ініціатива" comes from the Latin word "initium", meaning "beginning" or "commencement". | |||
Initiative in South Asian Languages
| Bengali | উদ্যোগ | ||
| The word "উদ্যোগ" in Bengali is derived from the Sanskrit word "उद्योग" (udyoga), which means "effort, work, or enterprise." | |||
| Gujarati | પહેલ | ||
| The Gujarati word "પહેલ" (initiative) is derived from the Sanskrit word "प्रथम" (first) and can also refer to the beginning of a ceremony or event. | |||
| Hindi | पहल | ||
| In Sanskrit, the word "पहल" comes from the verb "प्रतिहन" meaning "to take up" or "to undertake", and shares the same root with Hindi word "प्रयत्न" (effort) with the same connotation of commencing something. | |||
| Kannada | ಉಪಕ್ರಮ | ||
| The word "ಉಪಕ್ರಮ" can also be interpreted as "a beginning" or "an undertaking"} | |||
| Malayalam | മുൻകൈ | ||
| In Malayalam, the word “മുൻകൈ” can also mean being the first to do something. | |||
| Marathi | पुढाकार | ||
| "पुढाकार" comes from "पुढे" (ahead) and "कारण" (reason), meaning doing something before others for a reason. | |||
| Nepali | पहल | ||
| "पहल" भी एक संस्कृत शब्द है जिसका अर्थ "पहला कदम" या "शुरुआत" होता है। | |||
| Punjabi | ਪਹਿਲ | ||
| The word “ਪਹਿਲ” (initiative) in Punjabi is derived from the Sanskrit word “प्रहल” (prahal), which means “to begin” or “to take the lead.” | |||
| Sinhala (Sinhalese) | මුලපිරීම | ||
| The word 'මුලපිරීම' originally referred to the first ploughing of a field, and has come to be used metaphorically to describe the act of initiating something new. | |||
| Tamil | முயற்சி | ||
| The Tamil word "முயற்சி" (initiative) also implies "effort" and "endeavor", emphasizing the hard work and dedication required to achieve goals. | |||
| Telugu | చొరవ | ||
| The word "చొరవ" is derived from the Sanskrit "char" meaning "to move", and is often used to refer to proactive or resourceful behavior. | |||
| Urdu | پہل | ||
| The word "پہل" is borrowed from the Arabic word "بُدء" (buduʾ), which also means "beginning", "origin", or "onset". Both "پہل" and "بُدء" share the root "ب د ء" (b-d-ʾ), which implies "to initiate" or "to commence". | |||
Initiative in East Asian Languages
| Chinese (Simplified) | 倡议 | ||
| In Chinese, "倡议" not only means "initiative" but also "proposal" or "suggestion". | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | 倡議 | ||
| The word "倡議" can also mean "to advocate" or "to promote" an idea. | |||
| Japanese | 主導権 | ||
| 主導権 (shudōken) is a compound word made up of the characters 主 (shu), meaning "main" or "principal," and 導 (dō), meaning "to lead" or "to guide." | |||
| Korean | 발의 | ||
| 발의/發議 literally means “utterance of initiation,” and the Chinese characters used for 발의 are often rendered in Japanese as hatsui/ハヅイ, which shares a similar etymology. | |||
| Mongolian | санаачилга | ||
| The Mongolian word "санаачилга" (initiative) also means "intention" or "idea." | |||
| Myanmar (Burmese) | ပဏာမခြေလှမ်း | ||
Initiative in South East Asian Languages
| Indonesian | prakarsa | ||
| "Prakarsa" comes from the Sanskrit word "prakrti" (nature), suggesting that initiative arises from one's natural inclinations or circumstances. | |||
| Javanese | inisiatif | ||
| The Javanese word "inisiatif" or "inisiyatif" is a loanword from Dutch "initiatief". | |||
| Khmer | គំនិតផ្តួចផ្តើម | ||
| Lao | ຂໍ້ລິເລີ່ມ | ||
| Malay | inisiatif | ||
| The word 'inisiatif' is borrowed from the English word 'initiative', but it also has a similar meaning to the Malay word 'usaha', which means 'effort'. | |||
| Thai | ความคิดริเริ่ม | ||
| The word "ความคิดริเริ่ม" also means "creativity" or "originality" in Thai. | |||
| Vietnamese | sáng kiến | ||
| Sáng kiến is derived from the Chinese word sáng, meaning to create, found, or initiate, and kiến meaning to set up or establish. | |||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | inisyatiba | ||
Initiative in Central Asian Languages
| Azerbaijani | təşəbbüs | ||
| The word “təşəbbüs” in Azerbaijani is derived from the Arabic word “shuru” which means “beginning” or “inception”. | |||
| Kazakh | бастама | ||
| The word "бастама" in Kazakh also means "the beginning of something" or "the first step". | |||
| Kyrgyz | демилге | ||
| Kyrgyz demilge originates from the word "deme" meaning "to begin" and "ilge" meaning "request". Therefore, demilge can sometimes refer to a request. | |||
| Tajik | ташаббус | ||
| The word "ташаббус" can also refer to a "beginning" or "introduction" in Tajik. | |||
| Turkmen | inisiatiwasy | ||
| Uzbek | tashabbus | ||
| The word "tashabbus" in Uzbek has Arabic origins and can also mean "enterprise" or "undertaking." | |||
| Uyghur | تەشەببۇسكارلىق بىلەن | ||
Initiative in Pacific Languages
| Hawaiian | hoʻoholomua | ||
| In Hawaiian, "hoʻoholomua" means "to take a step forward" or "to progress," implying action and movement. | |||
| Maori | kōkiri | ||
| The word 'kōkiri' also refers to a type of traditional Maori canoe. | |||
| Samoan | taulamua | ||
| The word 'taulamua' in Samoan is derived from the root word 'taulamu', which means 'to take the lead'. | |||
| Tagalog (Filipino) | pagkukusa | ||
| In Tagalog, the word "pagkukusa" comes from the root word "kusa" which means "will" or "desire". | |||
Initiative in American Indigenous Languages
| Aymara | qalltawi | ||
| Guarani | apopyrã moñepyrũ | ||
Initiative in International Languages
| Esperanto | iniciato | ||
| Esperanto 'iniciato' comes from Latin 'initiare', meaning 'to begin' or 'to start' | |||
| Latin | marte | ||
| The word "marte" also means "war" or "battle" in Latin, suggesting a sense of urgency and determination in its application to initiatives. | |||
Initiative in Others Languages
| Greek | πρωτοβουλία | ||
| Πρωτοβουλία derives from Late Latin *primitiva, which meant an act of priority or being first, from Latin *primus (*first). | |||
| Hmong | teg num | ||
| "Teg num" translates as "initiative". In Hmong, it also means "a thought or plan". | |||
| Kurdish | serkêşî | ||
| The word "serkêşî" in Kurdish originates from the Persian word "sarkesh" meaning "rebellion" or "defiance". In Kurdish, it has evolved to mean "initiative" or "taking action without permission". The root of the word, "ser", means "head" or "top", implying a sense of leadership or independence. | |||
| Turkish | girişim | ||
| In Turkish, "girişim" not only refers to "initiative", but also carries the meaning of "attempt" and is often used in a legal context to describe an action undertaken without authority. | |||
| Xhosa | inyathelo | ||
| "Inyathelo" derives from the verb "thenga" (take) and the noun "umthetho" (law) | |||
| Yiddish | איניציאטיוו | ||
| In Yiddish, איניציאטיוו (intsiatyv) can also mean a 'drive' or 'effort' and is often used in the context of social or political movements. | |||
| Zulu | isinyathelo | ||
| "Isinyathelo" in Zulu also denotes a 'will' or 'intention,' implying a sense of personal agency and self-determination. | |||
| Assamese | উদ্যোগ লোৱা | ||
| Aymara | qalltawi | ||
| Bhojpuri | पहल | ||
| Dhivehi | އިސްނެގުން | ||
| Dogri | पैहल | ||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | inisyatiba | ||
| Guarani | apopyrã moñepyrũ | ||
| Ilocano | panangikurri | ||
| Krio | ɛp fɔ stat | ||
| Kurdish (Sorani) | دەستپێشخەری | ||
| Maithili | पहल | ||
| Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯈꯣꯡꯊꯥꯡ | ||
| Mizo | hmalakna | ||
| Oromo | kaka'umsa | ||
| Odia (Oriya) | ପଦକ୍ଷେପ | ||
| Quechua | iniciativa | ||
| Sanskrit | आरम्भः | ||
| Tatar | инициатива | ||
| Tigrinya | መለዓዓሊ | ||
| Tsonga | sungula | ||