动机

• Pinyin: dòng jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 动 (move, action) + 机 = 木 (wood) + 几 (small table)

Meaning

Motive; motivation; intention. The underlying reason that drives someone to act.

Used in psychology, law, and everyday contexts to discuss why people do things. Can be positive (学习动机 - motivation to learn) or negative (犯罪动机 - criminal motive).

Examples

1. 警察正在调查嫌疑人的作案动机。 The police are investigating the suspect's motive for committing the crime.
2. 了解学生的学习动机有助于提高教学效果。 Understanding students' learning motivation helps improve teaching effectiveness.
3. 他帮助别人的动机是纯粹的，不求回报。 His motivation for helping others is pure — he doesn't expect anything in return.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, law, analysis

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 他的动机是什么？(What is his motive?)
• 动机很重要。(Motivation is important.)

Don't Say

• 不要轻易质疑别人的'动机'——可能显得不信任或攻击性强 (Don't casually question someone's 动机 — it may seem distrustful or aggressive)

Origin & History

Compound of 动 (to move, action) + 机 (mechanism, trigger), the mechanism that triggers action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal