Translation guide
The driving force, motivation, or stimulus that causes something to happen or encourages someone to act.
The internal or external push that makes someone decide to do something or change behavior.
The most direct equivalent for 'motive' or 'motivation', often used for the reason behind an action.
An event, situation, or outside factor that forces or encourages action or change.
A formal term for a turning point or opportunity that triggers a significant change; common in business or historical contexts.
動機 (dōki) refers to a deeper, often psychological motive or reason, while きっかけ (kikkake) is more about the trigger or chance that starts something. Use 動機 for 'motive' in serious contexts (crime, career), and きっかけ for casual 'how it started' stories.
彼が転職した動機は何ですか？
What was his impetus for changing jobs?
A trigger or opportunity that sets something in motion; often used for the initial spark that leads to a change or new habit.
Studying abroad was the impetus for me to start learning Japanese.
Stimulus or stimulation; can be used when something excites or provokes action, often in creative or intellectual contexts.
The new idea provided the impetus for the project to move forward.
Driving force or motive power; emphasizes the energy behind a sustained effort or movement.
Curiosity is the impetus behind his research.
Momentum or impulse; often used when something gains speed or continues due to an initial push.
The success gave him the impetus to take on an even bigger challenge.
That meeting became the impetus for the policy change.
To give a push or boost; used when something provides support or encouragement that leads to action.
The government subsidy provided the impetus for developing new technology.
Spur or stimulus; often used in the phrase 〜に拍車をかける (to spur on), implying acceleration of an existing trend.
The pandemic gave impetus to online education.
The motive for the crime was financial trouble.
A friend's introduction was the impetus for us to start dating.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'impetus'. Translating it directly as 勢い (ikioi) or 衝動 (shōdō) often sounds unnatural. Choose based on whether you mean motivation, trigger, or driving force.