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B1 noun #3,100 most common 12 min read

动机

dòngjī Top 3,100

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 动机 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 动机 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 动机 (dòngjī) might be too advanced for daily conversation, as beginners usually focus on simpler words like '为什么' (wèishénme - why) or '原因' (yuányīn - reason). However, it is helpful to recognize it as a formal way of asking 'why.' Think of it as the 'big word' for 'reason.' If you see this word in a simple text, just remember it means 'the reason someone did something.' For example, if a teacher asks '你的动机是什么?' they are asking 'What is your reason?' as if they were saying '你为什么要这样做?' In A1, you don't need to use it in your own speech, but knowing that '动' means move and '机' means machine can help you remember it relates to what 'moves' a person to act. It's like the 'engine' inside a person. Focus on recognizing the characters and associating them with the concept of a 'reason' for an action. At this stage, just knowing that 动机 exists as a more formal alternative to '原因' is a great start. You might see it on simple posters or in very basic stories about characters' choices. Keep it simple: 动机 = why.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to describe people's feelings and simple reasons for their actions. 动机 (dòngjī) is a useful word to add to your vocabulary to make your descriptions sound more mature. Instead of always saying '因为他喜欢...' (Because he likes...), you can say '他的动机是喜欢...' (His motivation is liking...). This helps you move from simple sentence structures to more noun-based descriptions. You will likely encounter this word in short stories or simple news clips. It's often paired with simple adjectives like '好' (good) or '坏' (bad). For example, '他的动机是好的' (His motive is good). Understanding this word helps you understand that in Chinese, we often use nouns to describe states of mind. You should also start to notice the difference between '原因' (a general reason for an event) and '动机' ( a specific reason for a person's action). A2 learners should practice using 动机 in basic sentences about their own lives, such as '我学习汉语的动机是我的工作' (My motivation for learning Chinese is my job). This simple substitution adds a layer of sophistication to your speech.

At the B1 level, 动机 (dòngjī) is a core vocabulary word. You are expected to discuss more abstract topics, and 'motivation' is a key concept in psychology, education, and social issues. You should be able to use the word in common patterns like '出于...的动机' (out of... motivation) and '激发...的动机' (stimulate... motivation). At this stage, you should also understand the nuance that 动机 focuses on the internal drive, whereas '目的' (mùdì) focuses on the external goal. For instance, you can explain that someone's 动机 for volunteering is '爱心' (compassion), but their 目的 is to '帮助孤儿' (help orphans). B1 learners should be able to identify 动机 in more complex texts, such as newspaper articles or literary excerpts. You will also start to see it in negative contexts, such as '动机不纯' (impure motives), which is a common phrase in social commentary. You should practice analyzing characters in books or movies using this word. For example, '在这个故事里，男主角的动机非常复杂' (In this story, the male lead's motivation is very complex). Mastering this word at B1 allows you to engage in deeper conversations about human nature and society.

For B2 learners, 动机 (dòngjī) should be a word you can use fluently in both formal and informal contexts. You should be aware of its psychological and legal implications. In B2, you are expected to understand more specialized collocations like '内部动机' (intrinsic motivation) and '外部动机' (extrinsic motivation). You should also be able to use the word to debate complex issues. For example, '我们不能仅仅根据结果来判断一个人，我们还必须考虑他的动机' (We cannot judge a person solely based on the results; we must also consider their motives). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 动机 from its near-synonyms like '意图' (intention) and '动力' (driving force) with precision. You might encounter 动机 in academic papers or professional business reports. You should be comfortable discussing how to '维持动机' (maintain motivation) in a long-term project. Furthermore, you should understand the cultural nuances of the word, such as how questioning someone's 动机 can be a sensitive matter in Chinese social interactions. B2 learners should be able to write short essays or give presentations on topics like '如何激发员工的动机' (How to stimulate employee motivation) using a variety of related terms and structures.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 动机 (dòngjī) should be profound and nuanced. You should be able to use it in sophisticated rhetorical structures and understand its use in classical-style modern Chinese. You will encounter the word in philosophical discussions, high-level legal analysis, and complex literary criticism. You should be able to discuss the 'subconscious motives' (潜意识动机) of characters or historical figures. At this level, you should also be familiar with how 动机 is used in idiomatic expressions and formal set phrases. You should be able to analyze the '动机与效果' (motive and effect) relationship in ethics. For example, '在伦理学中，动机往往比结果更重要' (In ethics, motive is often more important than the result). You should also be able to detect subtle irony or skepticism when a writer uses the word 动机. Your ability to use the word should extend to professional fields like marketing psychology, where you might discuss '消费者行为动机' (consumer behavior motivation) in great detail. C1 learners should be able to navigate the subtle social dance of questioning or defending motives in high-stakes negotiations or complex social situations, using the word with the appropriate level of tact and precision.

At the C2 level, 动机 (dòngjī) is a tool for masterful communication. You should have a complete grasp of its historical development and its role in various specialized discourses. You can use the word to engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of free will and human agency. You should be able to understand and use the word in the context of advanced social theories or complex legal precedents. For a C2 learner, 动机 is not just a word for 'why,' but a concept that can be dissected and analyzed from multiple angles—psychological, sociological, legal, and ethical. You should be able to write critiques of literary works that focus entirely on the '动机结构' (motivational structure) of the narrative. You will also be able to understand the most subtle uses of the word in political rhetoric, where the choice of '动机' over '目的' or '意图' can carry significant weight. At this level, your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it to articulate the most delicate nuances of human intent, and you can understand the word in any context, from a casual gossip session to a doctoral dissertation on human behavior.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

动机 in 30 Seconds

动机 refers to the internal reason or 'why' behind an action.
It is commonly used in psychology, law, and formal social contexts.
Key patterns include '出于...动机' and '激发...动机'.
It differs from '目的' (goal) by focusing on the cause rather than the result.

The Chinese word 动机 (dòngjī) is a profound and versatile noun that translates most directly to 'motivation' or 'motive' in English. It refers to the internal drive, reason, or purpose that prompts an individual to take action or behave in a specific way. In the vast landscape of the Chinese language, this term bridges the gap between abstract psychology and concrete legal or social consequences. When we speak of 动机, we are looking behind the curtain of an action to find the 'why.' Whether you are discussing why a student studies late into the night or why a character in a novel commits a crime, you are exploring their 动机. It is a word that demands an understanding of human intent. In a psychological context, it represents the internal state that activates behavior and gives it direction. In a legal context, it refers to the cause that moves a person to commit a criminal act. Understanding this word is essential for B1 learners because it allows you to move beyond describing what happened to discussing why it happened, which is a hallmark of intermediate fluency.

Psychological Drive: The internal process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. For example, the 动机 to learn Chinese might be to connect with one's heritage or to improve career prospects.
Legal Intent: In criminal law, the 动机 (motive) is the reason why a person committed a crime, which can often influence the severity of the sentencing or the direction of an investigation.
Literary Analysis: Critics often analyze the 动机 of characters in literature to understand the themes and messages the author is conveying through their actions.

警察正在调查他的犯罪动机。 (The police are investigating his motive for the crime.)

The word is composed of two characters: 动 (dòng), meaning 'to move' or 'action,' and 机 (jī), which can mean 'machine,' 'mechanism,' or 'opportunity.' Together, they literally describe the 'mechanism of movement' or the 'trigger for action.' This etymological root helps learners visualize 动机 as the engine that powers our outward behavior. It is frequently used in professional settings, such as human resources when discussing employee engagement, or in education when discussing student performance. It is also a staple in news reporting, especially concerning social issues or legal cases. Unlike its close relative '目的' (mùdì - purpose), which focuses on the end goal, 动机 focuses on the inner impulse that starts the journey.

他的动机非常纯洁，只是想帮助别人。 (His motivation is very pure; he just wants to help others.)

Internal vs. External: Chinese speakers distinguish between 内部动机 (internal motivation) and 外部动机 (external motivation), much like in Western psychology.

缺乏学习动机是很多学生面临的问题。 (Lack of motivation to learn is a problem many students face.)

In daily conversation, 动机 can sometimes carry a slightly suspicious connotation if used in certain phrases like '动机不纯' (impure motives). This suggests that someone might have a hidden agenda or a selfish reason for their seemingly altruistic actions. However, in its neutral form, it is simply the term for the 'why' behind any human endeavor. From the grandest historical movements to the smallest personal habits, 动机 is the invisible force that drives the human story forward. By mastering this word, you gain the ability to analyze characters, debate ethics, and understand the deeper layers of human interaction in a Chinese-speaking context.

Using 动机 correctly requires an understanding of its typical grammatical patterns and the words it frequently pairs with. As a noun, it often serves as the subject or object of a sentence. One of the most common structures is '出于...的动机' (chūyú... de dòngjī), which means 'out of a ... motivation.' This is a sophisticated way to explain why someone did something. For example, '他出于好奇的动机打开了盒子' (He opened the box out of curiosity). This structure is very common in written Chinese and formal speech. Another frequent pattern is '动机是...' (The motivation is...), which is used to define the reason behind an action directly. Understanding these structures allows you to express complex ideas about human behavior with precision and clarity.

Structure: 出于 + [Adjective/Noun] + 动机: This describes the source of an action. Common adjectives include 善良 (kind), 邪恶 (evil), 政治 (political), and 商业 (commercial).
Structure: [Verb/Activity] + 动机: Here, 动机 is modified by an activity to specify what the motivation is for. Examples include 学习动机 (motivation to study) and 犯罪动机 (motive for a crime).

我们必须弄清楚他的真实动机。 (We must clarify his real motive.)

Another important aspect of using 动机 is understanding its collocations with verbs. To 'stimulate' or 'inspire' motivation, you can use '激发' (jīfā) or '提高' (tígāo). For instance, '老师应该激发学生的学习动机' (Teachers should stimulate students' motivation to learn). To 'investigate' or 'analyze' a motive, you use '调查' (diàochá) or '分析' (fēnxī). In a more negative sense, if someone's motives are being questioned, you might hear the phrase '怀疑...的动机' (to doubt someone's motives). This is common in political discourse or interpersonal conflicts where trust is an issue. By combining 动机 with these verbs, you can create a wide range of meanings that describe the lifecycle of a person's intent.

这是一种非常复杂的心理动机。 (This is a very complex psychological motivation.)

Verb Pairing: 激发 (Jīfā): Meaning 'to trigger' or 'to stimulate.' Frequently used in educational and management contexts to describe motivating others.
Verb Pairing: 隐藏 (Yǐncáng): Meaning 'to hide.' Used when someone has an ulterior motive that they do not want others to know about.

他隐藏了自己的政治动机。 (He hid his political motives.)

Finally, consider the level of formality. 动机 is a relatively formal word. While it can be used in daily speech, in very casual settings, people might simply ask '你为什么要这样做?' (Why do you want to do this?). However, using 动机 elevates the conversation to a more analytical level. It allows the speaker to categorize the reason—whether it be economic, emotional, or social. For example, '他的动机纯粹是商业性的' (His motive is purely commercial). This precision is what makes the word so valuable for B1 learners who are looking to express more nuanced opinions and observations about the world around them.

In the real world, you will encounter 动机 in a variety of specific environments. One of the most common is in the realm of crime and justice. If you enjoy watching Chinese police procedurals or reading detective novels, you will hear the word 动机 in almost every episode or chapter. Detectives will ask, '他的杀人动机是什么?' (What was his motive for the murder?). This context highlights the word's role in uncovering the hidden causes of human behavior. It is also a key term in news reports about trials or criminal investigations, where the prosecution must often prove that the defendant had a clear 动机 to commit the act in question. This usage is very similar to the English word 'motive' in a legal sense.

Legal Dramas & News: Used to discuss the 'why' behind a crime. Key phrase: 犯罪动机 (criminal motive).
Corporate & Business: Used in HR and management to discuss employee drive. Key phrase: 员工动机 (employee motivation).

在法庭上，律师辩称被告没有犯罪动机。 (In court, the lawyer argued that the defendant had no motive for the crime.)

Another frequent setting is the academic or professional world. In educational psychology lectures or self-help seminars, 动机 is the central theme. Speakers will discuss how to sustain 持续的动机 (sustained motivation) or the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. In a business context, managers might discuss the 动机 behind a competitor's new strategy or a customer's purchasing decisions. For example, '我们研究了消费者购买这种产品的动机' (We studied the motivations of consumers purchasing this product). In these scenarios, 动机 is a neutral, analytical tool used to understand market trends and human performance. It is a word that suggests a deep, systematic look at human nature.

提高员工的工作动机是管理者的重要任务。 (Improving employees' work motivation is an important task for managers.)

Psychology & Education: Used to describe the internal drive to learn or achieve goals. Key phrase: 学习动机 (learning motivation).
Social Media & Gossip: Often used with '不纯' (impure) to suggest hidden agendas. Key phrase: 动机不纯 (impure motives).

网友们怀疑那位明星做慈善的动机。 (Netizens doubted that star's motive for doing charity.)

Finally, in literature and film criticism, 动机 is essential. When discussing the plot of a movie, critics will analyze whether a character's actions are consistent with their established 动机. If a character suddenly changes their behavior without a clear reason, the critic might say the character's 动机不足 (insufficient motivation), leading to a weak plot. This usage highlights how 动机 is the glue that makes stories—and real-life actions—believable and coherent. Whether you are in a courtroom, a classroom, or a movie theater, 动机 is the key to unlocking the 'why' behind the human experience.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 动机 is confusing it with similar words like 目的 (mùdì) and 动力 (dònglì). While they all relate to action, they have distinct meanings. 动机 is the internal reason or 'spark' that initiates an action. 目的 is the 'target' or 'goal' you want to achieve. For example, if you study Chinese, your 动机 might be a love for the culture (the internal reason), while your 目的 might be to pass the HSK 4 exam (the specific goal). Confusing these two can make your sentences sound imprecise. You 'have' a 动机, but you 'reach' or 'achieve' a 目的. Using them interchangeably is a common pitfall for B1 students.

动机 vs. 目的: 动机 is the 'why' (cause); 目的 is the 'what' (result/goal). You don't 'achieve' a 动机; you are 'driven by' a 动机.
动机 vs. 动力: 动力 refers to 'driving force' or 'power.' It is often used for long-term persistence, whereas 动机 is the specific reason for a particular action.

错误：我的动机是拿到奖学金。 (Incorrect: My motivation is to get the scholarship - better to use '目的' here if referring to the specific goal.)

Another common error involves the misuse of the phrase '动机不纯.' Some learners use this to mean 'bad motivation' in a general sense, but it specifically implies a 'hidden' or 'hypocritical' motive. If someone is doing something bad openly, their 动机 might be '邪恶' (evil) but not necessarily '不纯' (impure). '不纯' implies a contrast between the outward appearance of the action and the inward intent. Additionally, learners often struggle with the correct verbs to use with 动机. You don't 'do' (做) a 动机. You 'have' (有), 'find' (寻找), 'clarify' (弄清), or 'stimulate' (激发) a 动机. Using the wrong verb can make the sentence sound unnatural to a native speaker.

正确：他这样做肯定有他的动机。 (Correct: He must have his motives for doing this.)

Collocation Error: '达到动机': You cannot 'reach' (达到) a motivation. You reach a 目的 (goal). You can 'realize' (实现) a goal, but motivation is what pushes you toward it.
Contextual Error: Using it for machines: While '机' means machine, '动机' is exclusively for human/animal intent. For an engine, use '发动机' (fādòngjī).

错误：这台汽车的动机很有力。 (Incorrect: This car's 'motivation' is powerful. Correct: 发动机.)

Finally, be careful with the word order in the '出于...动机' structure. Learners sometimes put the motive after the action, like '他学习中文出于兴趣动机,' which is grammatically awkward. The correct pattern is to place the '出于...动机' phrase *before* the verb or as a descriptive clause. For example, '出于兴趣，他开始学习中文' or '他学习中文是出于兴趣的动机.' Paying attention to these subtle structural and semantic differences will help you use 动机 like a native speaker and avoid the 'foreigner's awkwardness' in your Chinese expression.

To truly master 动机, it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each of these words has a specific 'flavor' and is used in different contexts. By choosing the right word, you can express your thoughts more accurately. The most common alternatives are 目的 (mùdì), 动力 (dònglì), 意图 (yìtú), and 诱因 (yòuyīn). Understanding the nuances between these will significantly improve your Chinese vocabulary depth.

目的 (Mùdì): Refers to the 'goal' or 'objective.' While 动机 is the internal 'why,' 目的 is the external 'what.' Example: 我的目的是赚钱 (My goal is to make money).
动力 (Dònglì): Literally 'power' or 'driving force.' It is used for the energy or inspiration that keeps someone going. Example: 父母的爱是我前进的动力 (My parents' love is the driving force for me to move forward).

虽然我们的动机不同，但我们的目的是一样的。 (Although our motives are different, our goal is the same.)

Another word to consider is 意图 (yìtú), which means 'intention' or 'intent.' It is very similar to 动机 but often implies a more conscious, calculated plan. While 动机 can be subconscious (like a psychological drive), 意图 is usually something the person has thought out. For example, '我不明白他的真实意图' (I don't understand his real intention). Then there is 诱因 (yòuyīn), which means 'incentive' or 'inducement.' This is often an external factor that triggers a 动机. For example, a high salary might be the 诱因 that creates the 动机 to work hard.

这个政策的主要诱因是减少失业。 (The main incentive for this policy is to reduce unemployment.)

意图 (Yìtú): More focused on the 'plan' or 'calculation.' Used frequently in business or politics. Example: 明显的扩张意图 (Obvious intent to expand).
缘由 (Yuányóu): A more formal word for 'reason' or 'cause.' It explains the background of why something happened, but lacks the psychological 'drive' aspect of 动机.

他的这种行为背后一定有某种意图。 (There must be some kind of intent behind this behavior of his.)

In summary, while these words overlap, 动机 remains the best choice for discussing the internal 'why' of human behavior. Use 目的 for goals, 动力 for energy/sustained force, and 意图 for planned intentions. By distinguishing these, you will not only sound more professional but also gain a deeper understanding of how Chinese people analyze human psychology and social interactions. Practice substituting these words in different contexts to see which one fits best, and you'll find your expressive capabilities in Chinese expanding rapidly.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '机' originally meant the trigger of a crossbow. This gives '动机' a very dynamic and precise original feeling—like the literal trigger that sets an arrow (an action) in motion.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʊŋ tɕiː/

US /dʊŋ tɕi/

Both syllables 'dòng' and 'jī' are stressed equally as they are both high tones in standard Mandarin.

Rhymes With

空 (kōng) 通 (tōng) 风 (fēng) 衣 (yī) 七 (qī) 西 (xī) 红 (hóng) 中 (zhōng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dong' like 'dang'.
Pronouncing 'ji' like 'zhi' (with a curled tongue).
Failing to keep both tones high and level.
Confusing the fourth tone 'dòng' with the third tone 'dǒng'.
Mixing up 'ji' with 'qi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common, but the concept can be abstract in complex texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific formal structures like '出于...的动机'.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires care to use in the right social context.

Listening 3/5

Clearly audible in news and dramas, but nuances between similar words can be tricky.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

为什么原因行动心理目的

Learn Next

意图动力诱因初衷驱动

Advanced

异化主观能动性归因理论潜意识博弈论

Grammar to Know

出于...的动机

他出于好奇的动机打开了信封。

是出于... (It is out of...)

我这样做是出于对你的关心。

Noun as Modifier

学习动机 (Learning motivation), where 学习 modifies 动机.

Abstract Noun Usage

动机很重要 (Motivation is important), used as an abstract concept.

Verb-Object Collocation

激发动机 (Stimulate motivation), a fixed combination.

Examples by Level

他的动机很好。

His motive is good.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

你的动机是什么？

What is your motivation?

Basic question structure with '是什么'.

我没有坏动机。

I have no bad motives.

Negation using '没有'.

这是一个好动机。

This is a good motivation.

Using '是' with a noun phrase.

他的动机不清楚。

His motive is not clear.

Adjective '不清楚' modifying '动机'.

我们要看动机。

We need to look at the motive.

Verb '看' taking '动机' as an object.

因为动机很重要。

Because motivation is very important.

Using '因为' to give a reason.

他学习的动机是爱。

His motivation for studying is love.

Noun phrase '他学习的动机' as the subject.

他做这件事的动机很单纯。

His motive for doing this is very simple.

Relative clause '他做这件事的' modifying '动机'.

老师想知道我们的学习动机。

The teacher wants to know our motivation for learning.

Compound object '我们的学习动机'.

每个人都有不同的动机。

Everyone has different motivations.

Using '都' to emphasize 'everyone'.

他的动机是为了帮助家人。

His motivation is to help his family.

Using '是为了' to explain the purpose of the motivation.

我们不应该怀疑他的动机。

We should not doubt his motives.

Modal verb '应该' with negation '不'.

这个动机让他努力工作。

This motivation makes him work hard.

Causative structure using '让'.

他的动机非常明显。

His motive is very obvious.

Adverb '非常' modifying '明显'.

你有什么动机吗？

Do you have any motivation?

Question using '什么' as 'any'.

他出于好奇的动机打开了那个箱子。

He opened that box out of a motive of curiosity.

The '出于...的动机' pattern.

警察正在调查嫌疑人的犯罪动机。

The police are investigating the suspect's motive for the crime.

Noun phrase '嫌疑人的犯罪动机' as the object.

这种奖金制度能激发员工的工作动机。

This bonus system can stimulate employees' work motivation.

Verb '激发' (to stimulate) used with '动机'.

他的动机不纯，你一定要小心。

His motives are not pure; you must be careful.

The common phrase '动机不纯'.

我们要区分动机和目的。

We need to distinguish between motivation and purpose.

Verb '区分' (to distinguish) used with 'A和B'.

缺乏动机是学习中最大的障碍。

Lack of motivation is the biggest obstacle in learning.

Verb-noun phrase '缺乏动机' (lacking motivation) as the subject.

作者在书中探讨了人性的复杂动机。

The author explored the complex motives of human nature in the book.

Verb '探讨' (to explore/discuss) with a complex object.

他这样做完全是出于政治动机。

He did this entirely out of political motives.

Adverb '完全' (entirely) modifying the '出于...' phrase.

研究表明，内部动机比外部动机更持久。

Research shows that intrinsic motivation is more lasting than extrinsic motivation.

Comparison structure 'A比B更...'.

他的一言一行都显示出他高尚的动机。

His every word and action shows his noble motives.

The idiom '一言一行' (every word and action) as the subject.

在没有证据的情况下，我们不能推测他的动机。

In the absence of evidence, we cannot speculate on his motives.

The phrase '在...的情况下' (under the circumstance of...).

这部电影深入分析了反派角色的心理动机。

This movie deeply analyzes the psychological motives of the villain.

Adverbial '深入' (deeply) modifying '分析'.

他的动机虽然是好的，但结果却很糟糕。

Although his motive was good, the result was terrible.

Conjunction '虽然...但...' showing contrast.

我们需要寻找一种能够维持长期动机的方法。

We need to find a method that can maintain long-term motivation.

Relative clause '能够维持长期动机的' modifying '方法'.

律师试图证明被告的行为没有恶意动机。

The lawyer tried to prove that the defendant's actions had no malicious motive.

Verb '证明' (to prove) followed by a clause.

社会环境对个人的动机有着深远的影响。

The social environment has a profound influence on an individual's motivation.

The pattern '对...有着...的影响'.

该学说试图揭示人类行为背后的深层动机。

This theory attempts to reveal the deep-seated motives behind human behavior.

Formal verb '揭示' (to reveal) and '背后的' (behind).

他的这种做法不免让人怀疑其真实动机。

This way of doing things inevitably makes people doubt his true motives.

The structure '不免让人...' (inevitably makes people...).

动机的纯粹性在某些宗教教义中被高度强调。

The purity of motive is highly emphasized in certain religious doctrines.

Abstract noun '纯粹性' (purity) used as a subject.

在政治博弈中，动机往往被掩盖在华丽的辞藻之下。

In political games, motives are often hidden under flowery rhetoric.

Passive voice with '被' and metaphorical language.

他并非出于私利，而是基于对公义的追求这一动机。

He was not acting out of self-interest, but based on the motive of pursuing justice.

The '并非...而是...' (not... but rather...) structure.

这种创作动机的转变反映了艺术家心路历程的变化。

This shift in creative motivation reflects the changes in the artist's mental journey.

Formal term '心路历程' (mental journey/course of heart).

对权力的渴望是他一切行动的终极动机。

The desire for power is the ultimate motive of all his actions.

Adjective '终极' (ultimate) modifying '动机'.

我们必须审慎评估援助计划背后的政治动机。

We must carefully evaluate the political motives behind the aid program.

Formal verb '审慎评估' (to carefully evaluate).

康德认为，道德价值仅取决于行为的动机而非其后果。

Kant believed that moral value depends solely on the motive of the action rather than its consequences.

Highly formal philosophical statement using '取决于' (depends on).

这种潜意识中的原始动机在梦境中得到了扭曲的表达。

This primitive motive in the subconscious finds a distorted expression in dreams.

Psychological terminology like '潜意识' and '扭曲的表达'.

其动机之复杂，绝非三言两语所能说清。

The complexity of his motives is by no means something that can be explained in a few words.

Classical-style construction '之...绝非...所能...'.

在宏观历史叙事中，个人的动机往往被结构性的力量所淡化。

In macro-historical narratives, individual motives are often downplayed by structural forces.

Academic terms like '宏观历史叙事' and '结构性力量'.

他以一种近乎偏执的动机追求着那个虚幻的理想。

He pursued that illusory ideal with a motive bordering on paranoia.

Descriptive phrase '近乎偏执的' (bordering on paranoid).

法律对动机的关注体现了社会对主观意图的伦理考量。

The law's focus on motive reflects society's ethical considerations of subjective intent.

Abstract academic structure '体现了...对...的...考量'.

这种动机的异化导致了原本高尚的行为走向了反面。

The alienation of this motivation led a originally noble act toward its opposite.

Philosophical term '异化' (alienation).

尽管其动机饱受诟病，但其客观效果却不容忽视。

Although his motives were widely criticized, the objective effects cannot be ignored.

Formal idiom '饱受诟病' (widely criticized).

Synonyms

意图动力目的缘由

Antonyms

结果无意

Common Collocations

犯罪动机

学习动机

动机不纯

真实动机

心理动机

强烈动机

缺乏动机

出于...动机

激发动机

政治动机

Common Phrases

动机不纯

— Having ulterior or hidden motives. Often used to describe someone who seems to be doing good but has a selfish reason.

大家都觉得他捐款是动机不纯。

出于...的动机

— Acting out of a certain motive. A formal way to explain the reason for an action.

他出于保护家人的动机撒了谎。

缺乏动机

— Lacking the drive or reason to do something. Common in educational contexts.

很多学生因为缺乏动机而退学。

激发动机

— To stimulate or inspire someone's motivation.

好的老师能激发学生的动机。

寻找动机

— To search for the reason behind an action, especially in a mystery or crime.

侦探正在寻找他的杀人动机。

隐藏动机

— To conceal one's true reasons for an action.

他一直隐藏着自己的真实动机。

纯洁的动机

— A pure or selfless motivation.

他的动机非常纯洁，不求回报。

商业动机

— A motive driven by profit or business interests.

这种行为背后的商业动机很明显。

内部动机

— Intrinsic motivation; a drive coming from within the individual.

内部动机比外部奖励更重要。

动机调查

— An investigation into motives, often in a professional or legal setting.

公司对这起事件进行了动机调查。

Often Confused With

动机 vs 目的

目的 is the goal (what you want to get), while 动机 is the reason (why you start).

动机 vs 动力

动力 is the energy or force that keeps you going, while 动机 is the specific motive.

动机 vs 发动机

发动机 is a mechanical engine for a car/machine, while 动机 is for human intent.

Idioms & Expressions

"别有用心"

— To have an ulterior motive; to have a hidden, often malicious, agenda.

他这么热情，恐怕是别有用心。

Common/Negative

"居心叵测"

— With hidden and dangerous motives; one's intentions are hard to fathom and likely evil.

此人居心叵测，不可深交。

Formal/Negative

"醉翁之意不在酒"

— The drinker's heart is not in the cup; to have an ulterior motive or something else in mind.

他表面上是来帮忙，其实是醉翁之意不在酒。

Literary/Common

"明修栈道，暗渡陈仓"

— To do one thing overtly while actually doing another covertly; a strategic hidden motive.

他们这招是明修栈道，暗渡陈仓，动机不简单。

Historical/Strategic

"项庄舞剑，意在沛公"

— Xiang Zhuang performed a sword dance, but his target was Liu Bang; to have a hidden motive to attack someone.

他虽然在批评公司，但其实是项庄舞剑，意在沛公。

Historical/Literary

"包藏祸心"

— To harbor evil intentions; to hide a malicious motive.

表面客气，实则包藏祸心。

Formal/Negative

"司马昭之心，路人皆知"

— Sima Zhao's intention is obvious to everyone on the street; a glaringly obvious motive.

他想当经理，真是司马昭之心，路人皆知。

Historical/Common

"图谋不轨"

— To plot something illegal or rebellious; to have a treacherous motive.

那些人聚集在一起，恐怕是图谋不轨。

Formal/Legal

"不怀好意"

— To harbor ill intentions; to have a bad motive.

他看着我的眼神不怀好意。

Common

"意欲何为"

— What are you intending to do? Used to question someone's motives.

你深夜到此，意欲何为？

Classical/Formal

Easily Confused

动机 vs 目的

Both explain the 'reason' for an action.

动机 is internal/causal (why); 目的 is external/final (what for).

动机是爱，目的是结婚。

动机 vs 动力

Both relate to moving or acting.

动力 is the 'fuel' or 'power' (strength of drive); 动机 is the 'reason' (direction of drive).

他的进步是我工作的动力。

动机 vs 意图

Both mean 'intent'.

意图 is more about a conscious plan; 动机 can be subconscious or emotional.

我看不透他的真实意图。

动机 vs 诱因

Both cause action.

诱因 is usually an external trigger; 动机 is the internal reaction to that trigger.

奖金是诱因，赚钱是动机。

动机 vs 原因

Both mean 'reason'.

原因 is broad and can apply to non-human events; 动机 is specifically for sentient intent.

下雨是比赛取消的原因 (not 动机).

Sentence Patterns

我的动机是 [Noun/Verb Phrase]。

我的动机是学习。

出于 [Adjective] 的动机，[Action]。

出于善良的动机，他捐了钱。

[Activity] 动机很重要。

学习动机很重要。

[Subject] 缺乏 [Adjective] 动机。

他缺乏长期的工作动机。

激发 [Person] 的 [Type] 动机。

激发学生的创作动机。

[Action] 背后的动机是 [Clause]。

他辞职背后的动机是想自己创业。

怀疑 [Person] 的 [Type] 动机。

大家都在怀疑他的政治动机。

[Subject] 动机之 [Adjective]，绝非 [Phrase]。

其动机之复杂，绝非一般人能理解。

Word Family

Nouns

动机 (Motivation/Motive)

动机论 (Motivism)

发动机 (Engine - Note the different meaning)

机能 (Function)

Verbs

驱动 (To drive/motivate)

激发 (To stimulate)

动员 (To mobilize)

Adjectives

动人的 (Moving/Touching)

机智的 (Witty/Resourceful)

目的 (Purpose)

动力 (Driving force)

意图 (Intention)

原因 (Reason)

诱因 (Incentive)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, education, and professional discussions.

Common Mistakes

Using '做动机' (do motivation). → 有动机 (have motivation) or 激发动机 (stimulate motivation).
Motivation is a state or reason, not an action you perform like a task.
Confusing 动机 with 发动机 in a car context. → 这台车的发动机很有力。
动机 refers to human intent; 发动机 refers to a mechanical engine.
Saying '我的动机是赢' when you mean 'My goal is to win'. → 我的目的是赢。
Winning is the goal (目的), while the desire for glory might be the 动机.
Using '出于...动机' after the verb. → 他出于好奇的动机打开了门。
The '出于...' phrase usually acts as an adverbial before the verb.
Using 动机 for the reason a tree fell. → 树倒下的原因是风太大。
动机 requires a sentient being (person or animal) with intent.

Tips

Use '种' as a Measure Word

Since 动机 is an abstract noun, use '一种动机' (a kind of motivation) rather than '一个动机'.

Distinguish from 目的

Always ask: Am I talking about the 'spark' (动机) or the 'target' (目的)?

Purity Matters

In Chinese culture, having a '纯' (pure) 动机 is highly valued. Avoid having a '杂' (mixed) or '不纯' (impure) 动机.

Listen for '出于'

When you hear '出于' (chūyú), get ready to hear a 动机 or a reason.

Formalize Your 'Why'

In professional settings, replace '原因' with '动机' to sound more analytical.

Collocate with 激发

If you are writing about education or management, '激发动机' is a powerful and natural phrase to use.

Legal Context

If you're watching a detective show, pay attention to '犯罪动机'—it's the most common use in that genre.

The Engine Mnemonic

Remember: 动机 (dòngjī) is the 'engine' (机) that 'moves' (动) you.

Psychology Terms

Learn '内部动机' and '外部动机' together as a set to discuss psychology.

Questioning Motives

Use '你的动机是什么？' cautiously; it's more direct than '你为什么要这样做？'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Moving' (动) 'Machine' (机). Your motivation is the engine or the machine that moves you to do things.

Visual Association

Visualize a heart that has a small mechanical trigger on it. When the trigger (机) is pulled, the person starts to move (动).

Word Web

行动 (Action) 心理 (Psychology) 目的 (Goal) 原因 (Reason) 激发 (Stimulate) 犯罪 (Crime) 学习 (Study) 动力 (Power)

Challenge

Try to explain your '动机' for learning Chinese to a friend using the '出于...动机' structure today.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '动' (dòng), meaning to move or act, and '机' (jī), which historically referred to the trigger of a crossbow or a mechanical device. Together, they signify the internal mechanism or trigger that causes a person to move or act.

Original meaning: The trigger or starting mechanism of an action.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese Mandarin)

Cultural Context

Be careful when questioning someone's 动机 directly, as it can be taken as an insult to their character or integrity.

In English-speaking cultures, 'motivation' is often used in a self-help or business productivity context. In Chinese, while it is used that way, it also carries a heavier ethical and legal weight, similar to 'motive' in a detective story.

Analects of Confucius (Implicitly discussing the purity of heart/motive). Modern Chinese crime dramas like 'The Bad Kids' (隐秘的角落) where motives are central. Psychology textbooks used in Chinese universities.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

激发学习动机
缺乏学习动机
提高学生动机
动机与兴趣

Legal/Crime

犯罪动机调查
杀人动机
没有犯罪动机
证明动机

Psychology

内部动机
外部动机
成就动机
心理动机分析

Business

员工工作动机
商业动机
竞争动机
消费动机

Social/Interpersonal

动机不纯
真实动机
怀疑对方动机
善良的动机

Conversation Starters

"你学习中文的动机是什么？"

"你认为在工作中，内部动机和外部奖励哪个更重要？"

"你觉得那个电影主角的犯罪动机合理吗？"

"当有人对你特别好的时候，你会怀疑他们的动机吗？"

"如何才能激发孩子学习的动机？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你决定移居或者去另一个城市旅游的真实动机。

分析一个你最近看过的电影人物的动机，以及这个动机如何推动剧情发展。

讨论一下金钱是否是工作的唯一动机。

描述一次你出于纯洁动机帮助别人，但被误解的经历。

你认为改变一个人的动机容易吗？为什么？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for machines, you should use '原理' (principle) or '动力' (power source). If you mean the engine, use '发动机'.

Yes, it almost always implies that someone has a hidden, selfish, or dishonest reason for their actions.

内部动机 (Intrinsic) comes from personal interest or satisfaction, while 外部动机 (Extrinsic) comes from rewards like money or grades.

It is grammatically correct but slightly formal. In casual speech, you might say '我有动力学习' or '我想学习'.

You say '杀人动机' (shārén dòngjī).

Yes, it typically appears around the HSK 4 or HSK 5 level (B1/B2).

No, 动机 is strictly a noun. To say 'to motivate,' you use verbs like '激发' or '驱动'.

It translates to 'achievement motivation,' the desire to excel or reach a high standard.

You use the pattern '出于 + [Adjective] + 的动机'. For example: 出于同情的动机 (Out of a motive of sympathy).

Yes, 动机 is why you play (e.g., love of the game), while 动力 is the energy you have to win (e.g., the crowd's cheering).