Translation guide
The main energy, motivation, or factor that pushes something forward or makes it happen. In Japanese, this can be expressed through words for power, motivation, or cause, depending on whether you mean a person's inner drive, a social force, or a mechanical impetus.
To describe the strong desire, ambition, or passion that makes someone work hard or pursue a goal.
Literally 'motive power', this is the most direct translation for 'driving force' in both personal and abstract contexts. It can refer to a person's inner motivation or the main factor behind a movement.
彼の成功の原動力は、家族への愛情だった。
The driving force behind his success was his love for his family.
好奇心が研究の原動力だ。
Curiosity is the driving force behind research.
Means 'propulsive force' or 'driving force', often used for projects, plans, or group efforts. Slightly more formal and can imply active pushing forward.
このプロジェクトの推進力は、若いメンバーの熱意です。
The driving force of this project is the enthusiasm of the young members.
Literally 'source of motivation', this is a natural, casual way to talk about what drives someone personally.
彼女にとって、ファンの応援がやる気の源だ。
For her, the support of her fans is the driving force.
Loanword from English, used in business or self-help contexts. Can sound a bit technical or trendy.
高いモチベーションがチームの原動力になっている。
High motivation is the driving force of the team.
To identify the key element that causes a social, economic, or historical development.
Again the most versatile term. Works for abstract forces like economic growth, social change, etc.
技術革新が経済成長の原動力だ。
Technological innovation is the driving force of economic growth.
Emphasizes the active pushing aspect, suitable for policies or initiatives.
Means 'main factor' or 'cause'. Less metaphorical than 'driving force', but commonly used in analytical contexts.
To refer to the actual force that propels a vehicle, machine, or natural phenomenon.
Means 'motive power' or 'driving force' in a physical sense, like an engine or motor.
この車は電気を動力としている。
This car uses electricity as its driving force.
Specifically 'propulsive force', used for ships, rockets, etc.
新しい政策が改革の推進力となった。
The new policy became the driving force for reform.
人口増加が都市化の大きな要因だ。
Population growth is a major driving force behind urbanization.
ロケットの推進力は燃料の燃焼によって生まれる。
A rocket's driving force is generated by fuel combustion.