Translation guide
The English word 'motivation' can refer to the inner drive to do something, the reason behind an action, or the act of inspiring someone. Japanese expresses these nuances with different words and phrases.
Expressing one's personal desire, willingness, or psychological drive to act.
The most common and natural way to express personal motivation or willingness to do something. Often used in everyday conversation.
I've been lacking motivation lately.
He's full of motivation.
A more formal term for motivation, often used in work or academic contexts. Implies a strong will or eagerness.
He has a high level of motivation for his work.
A loanword from English, commonly used in business, self-help, and casual contexts. Often refers to the level of motivation.
My motivation isn't increasing.
Refers to fighting spirit or energetic motivation, often used in sports or challenging situations. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or intense.
Let's get through this with sheer motivation!
Explaining the motive or cause that drives someone to do something.
The standard word for 'motive' or 'reason' behind an action, often used in formal or psychological contexts.
What was the motivation for the crime?
His motivation for changing jobs was a salary increase.
General word for 'reason'. Can be used for motivation in a broad sense, but less specific than 動機.
Means 'purpose' or 'objective'. Can be used when motivation is tied to a specific goal.
Describing the process of giving someone else motivation.
Causative form of やる気が出る, meaning to make someone feel motivated.
It's important for a boss to motivate their subordinates.
A formal term for 'motivation' as a process, often used in psychology or education. Can also be used as a verb 動機づける.
Loanword verb meaning 'to motivate'. Used in business or casual speech.
He motivates the team well.
やる気 is the most colloquial and common for personal drive. 意欲 is formal and often used in professional settings. モチベーション is a casual loanword that can replace やる気 in many contexts but may sound slightly trendy.
If you have motivation, you can do anything.
Improving employee motivation is a challenge.
I feel my motivation is low.
Using 動機 to mean your own enthusiasm sounds unnatural. 動機 is for the reason behind an action, often in formal or criminal contexts. Use やる気 or モチベーション for personal drive.
I have no motivation to study.
Natural expression using やる気
What's your motivation for learning Japanese?
Asking about the reason/motive
How do you maintain your motivation?
彼が勉強する理由は何ですか？
What is his motivation for studying?
彼の行動の目的は不明だ。
The motivation behind his actions is unclear.
Student motivation is important.