動機

• Reading: どうき
• Romaji: douki
• Kanji breakdown: 動 (dou) — move, motion; 機 (ki) — trigger, opportunity, machine
• Pronunciation: /doː.ki/

Meaning

A motive or incentive; the reason or driving force behind an action or decision.

A noun used in both everyday and formal contexts. In criminal investigations, 犯行の動機 (motive for the crime) is a key concept. In psychology, 動機付け (motivation) is the process of creating incentives. Also common in job interviews: 志望動機 (reason for applying). Differs from 理由 (reason) in that 動機 emphasises the inner psychological drive rather than external justification.

Examples

1. 警察は犯行の動機を調べている。 The police are investigating the motive for the crime.
2. 志望動機を面接で聞かれて緊張した。 I got nervous when asked about my reason for applying during the interview.
3. 彼が転職を決めた動機は給料ではなくやりがいだった。 The motive behind his decision to change jobs was not the salary but a sense of purpose.

Usage Guide

Context: crime, psychology, job hunting, academic

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 動 (dou, to move) + 機 (ki, trigger/opportunity). Literally 'the trigger that moves one to act,' capturing the idea of an inner force that sets action in motion.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated