Yukimoji - Learn Japanese

VocabJLPT N1

motive

Noun

Definitions

1. motive
2. incentive
3. motif

This noun means "motive" or "motivation," referring to the reason or driving force behind a person's action. It is commonly used in criminal investigations, psychology, and everyday conversation to ask or explain why someone did something.

Example sentences

Sentence 1

So profit is the only motive, is that what you're saying?

Sentence 2

A film I happened to watch became the reason I decided to study abroad.

Sentence 3

Could you share your motives for the improvement initiative?

Sentence 4

What was his motive for apologizing in the first place?

Sentence 5

More than anything, his motive was wanting to protect her.