Japanese word

原動力

Pronunciation

Romajigendōryoku

Meaning

  • noundriving force

Example

好奇心は学びの原動力です。kō ki shin wa mana bi no gen dō ryoku de su

Curiosity is the driving force behind learning.

Illustration for 原動力 (driving force)

More examples

人の役に立ちたいという思いが、彼の仕事の原動力になっています。hito no yaku ni ta chi ta i to i u omo i ga kare no shi goto no gen dō ryoku ni na tte i ma su

The desire to help others has become the driving force behind his work.

Core concept

Describes the central force or motive that makes a person, activity, or process move forward.

Common phrases

  • 仕事の原動力shi goto no gen dō ryoku

    driving force behind work

  • 変化の原動力hen ka no gen dō ryoku

    driving force behind change

  • 創造の原動力sō zō no gen dō ryoku

    driving force behind creation

Similar words

動機dōki: A reason or desire that leads a person to act.
推進力suishinryoku: A force that advances a project, movement, or process.
モチベーションmochibēshon: A person's desire or willingness to keep working toward a goal.

Definition in Japanese

物事を動かし、進展させるもととなる力。mono goto o ugo ka shi shin ten sa se ru mo to to na ru chikara

Word origin

原動力 (gendōryoku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 原 (gen, "origin"), 動 (dō, "move"), and 力 (ryoku, "force").

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 原動力 (gendōryoku) applies to inner motives such as curiosity as well as forces that propel a project or movement.

Word lists with this word