Translation guide
The English word "motive" refers to the reason or driving force behind an action. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 動機 (どうき), but depending on context, other words like 目的 (もくてき) or 理由 (りゆう) may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Expressing the underlying reason or incentive for doing something, especially in neutral or formal contexts.
What is his motive for acting that way?
The motive for the crime is still unknown.
Means 'reason'. More general than 動機 and can be used in casual conversation. It doesn't carry the same psychological nuance as 'motive' but is often sufficient.
Please tell me the reason for your lateness.
Means 'purpose' or 'objective'. Use when the motive is goal-oriented. Often interchangeable with 動機 when the reason is tied to an intended outcome.
What is his motive for studying abroad?
Referring to a secret or selfish reason behind someone's actions, often with a negative connotation.
Literally 'under-heart', meaning a hidden agenda or ulterior motive. Often used when someone's kindness or offer seems suspicious.
I think there's an ulterior motive behind his kindness.
Literally 'back purpose', meaning a hidden objective. More direct than 下心 and can be used in both casual and formal settings.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary term for a secret scheme or motive. Often used in detective stories or dramatic contexts.
Specifically referring to the motive behind a crime, often used in police investigations or news reports.
Expressing that there is no reason or incentive to do something, often in defensive or explanatory situations.
動機 (motive) emphasizes the psychological drive behind an action, often used in serious contexts like crime or important decisions. 理由 (reason) is a general, everyday word for any cause or explanation. 目的 (purpose) focuses on the goal or intended outcome. Choose based on nuance: if you want to sound analytical, use 動機; if casual, 理由; if goal-oriented, 目的.
While 動機 is the direct translation, it can sound overly formal or psychological in everyday conversation. For simple questions like 'Why did you come?', use 理由 or 目的 instead.
What was his motive for quitting?
Casual but still uses 動機 for a serious inquiry.
I don't understand her motives.
真意 (true intention) is often more natural than 動機 when expressing confusion about someone's real reasons.
His proposal seems to have a hidden motive.
彼の魂胆を見抜いた。
I saw through his ulterior motive.
The motive for the crime was a financial dispute.