Spanish word

motivo

Pronunciation

IPA/moˈtiβo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounreason

Example

¿Cuál es el motivo?

What is the reason?

Illustration for motivo (reason)

More examples

No hay motivo para enfadarse.

There is no reason to be angry.

Core concept

Cause that prompts an action or explains an event.

Common phrases

  • no hay motivo

    no reason

  • motivo suficiente

    sufficient reason

  • motivo personal

    personal reason

Similar words

razón: Reason or justification given to explain facts or support a decision.
causa: Cause directly producing an event or bringing about an outcome.
intención: Mental aim present before and guiding an action.
propósito: Intended goal or objective someone aims to achieve.

Definition in Spanish

Causa o razón que impulsa una acción o explica un hecho.

Word origin

From Latin motivus, an adjective formed from movēre 'to move', the Spanish word denotes what moves a person or explains an event.

Usage tips

  • In polite or formal Spanish use '¿Cuál es el motivo?' while in casual speech '¿Por qué?' is more natural.

Other meanings

  • motivenoun
  • causenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word