Japanese word

動機

Pronunciation

Romajidōki

Meaning

  • nounmotive

Example

彼が来た動機は何ですか。kare ga ki ta dō ki wa nan de su ka

What was his motive for coming?

Illustration for 動機 (motive)

More examples

相手の動機を考えると、その発言の意味が分かります。ai te no dō ki o kanga e ru to so no hatsu gen no i mi ga wa ka ri ma su

When you consider the other person's motive, you can understand the meaning of the remark.

Core concept

Describes the reason or impulse that leads a person to take a particular action.

Common phrases

  • 動機を明らかにするdō ki o aki ra ka ni su ru

    clarify the motive

  • 動機を尋ねるdō ki o tazu ne ru

    ask about the motive

  • 動機を理解するdō ki o ri kai su ru

    understand the motive

Similar words

理由riyū: A cause or basis that explains an action or decision.
意図ito: A plan or purpose that a person has in mind when acting.
動因dōin: A force or factor that causes a person to act.

Definition in Japanese

人がある行動を起こすもととなる理由。hito ga a ru kō dō o o ko su mo to to na ru ri yū

Word origin

動機 (dōki) combines 動 (dō, "movement") and 機 (ki, "occasion or trigger"), expressing what sets an action in motion.

Usage tips

  • 動機 (dōki) usually points to the reason that leads to one action, while English motivation can also mean the continuing drive to achieve a goal.

Other meanings

  • incentivenoun

Related words

  • 動機付けるdōkitsukerumotivateverb

Word lists with this word