English–Japanese
“ulterior motive” in Japanese
How to say “ulterior motive” in Japanese
“Ulterior motive” in Japanese is 下心 (shitagokoro).
Refers to a private aim that lies behind what a person openly says or does.
Example sentences with 下心
彼の親切には下心がありました。kare no shin setsu ni wa shita gokoro ga a ri ma shi ta
His kindness had an ulterior motive.
Tips for using 下心
- Calling someone's motive 下心 (shitagokoro) usually sounds like an accusation, so the word is stronger than a neutral term for a private plan.
Other Japanese words for “ulterior motive”
私の質問に他意はありません。watashi no shitsu mon ni ta i wa a ri ma se n
There is no ulterior motive in my question.