動機(どうき)

どうき
noun
motive; motivation; incentive
See also: 同期(どうき) (same year, synchronization)
1. motive; motivation; incentive
The reason or driving force behind a person's action, decision, or behavior. Used in both everyday and legal/criminal contexts.
犯行(はんこう)の動機(どうき)は何(なん)ですか。
What was the motive for the crime?
日本語(にほんご)を学(まな)ぶ動機(どうき)は人(ひと)それぞれだ。
Everyone has their own motivation for learning Japanese.
志望(しぼう)動機(どうき)をしっかり書(か)かないと、面接(めんせつ)で落(お)とされるかもしれない。
If you don't write your motivation for applying properly, you might be rejected at the interview.

USAGE:
動機(どうき) is used broadly for the reason behind any action, from job applications to criminal investigations.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 犯行(はんこう)の動機(どうき) (motive for the crime)
  • 志望(しぼう)動機(どうき) (motivation for applying)
  • 動機(どうき)づけ (motivation, providing incentive)
  • 動機(どうき)が不純(ふじゅん) (impure motives)

CAUTION:
Do not confuse with the homophones 動悸(どうき) (palpitations, rapid heartbeat) or 同期(どうき) (same year/class; synchronization). All three are pronounced どうき but have completely different meanings and kanji.

general
Added 2026.3.9 17:36
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