motive in Japanese
motive in Japanese is 理由, 動機 — motive means a reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
motive in Japanese
理由
Pronounced: riyuu
動機
Pronounced: dōki
(law) Something which causes someone to want to commit a crime; a reason for criminal behaviour. [from 18th c.]
What does "motive" mean?
-
noun A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
"The detective asked what motive anyone could have for taking the painting."
-
adj Causing or producing movement.
"A falling weight was the motive power for the old clock."
Vocabulary Flow
Learn more English words in Japanese.
Vocabulary Flow serves English words with the Japanese meaning, one at a time — pronunciation and an example each time. Scroll it either direction.
Learn English in Japanese
motive in a sentence
- The detective asked what motive anyone could have for taking the painting.
- Police still haven't established a motive for the break-in.
- A falling weight was the motive power for the old clock.
- The engine supplies the motive energy that turns the wheels.
Similar words in Japanese
Common Japanese translations
Frequently asked questions
What is "motive" in Japanese?
"motive" in Japanese is 理由, 動機. motive means: A reason that drives someone to act, especially in a suspicious or criminal context.
How do you pronounce 理由?
"motive" in Japanese is 理由, pronounced "riyuu".
How do you use "motive" in a sentence?
Example: "The detective asked what motive anyone could have for taking the painting." In Japanese, "motive" is 理由, 動機.
Are there other ways to say "motive" in Japanese?
Yes — Japanese has 2 translations listed for "motive": 理由, 動機.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.