动机

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Character Breakdown

Understanding 动机 (dòngjī)

动机 refers to the reason or cause behind a person's actions, often translated as 'motive' or 'motivation'. It is commonly used in contexts ranging from everyday personal intentions to legal or psychological discussions about why someone behaves a certain way.

Usage and Nuance

When you use 动机, you emphasize the underlying cause or purpose that drives behavior. For example, in criminal investigations, 动机 is crucial to understand why a crime was committed. In everyday life, it can describe what motivates someone to pursue a goal.

Common Collocations

  • 调查动机 (diàochá dòngjī): investigate the motive, often used in police or legal contexts.
  • 缺乏动机 (quēfá dòngjī): lack motivation, describing a state where someone has no drive.
  • 纯粹动机 (chúncuì de dòngjī): pure motive, emphasizing sincerity or good intentions.

Important Notes

动机 is a noun and usually appears as the object of verbs like 调查 (investigate), 失去 (lose), or (have). It is different from 动力 (dònglì), which refers more to the energy or force to act rather than the reason behind the action.

Avoid confusing 动机 with 动力: 动机 answers 'why' someone acts, while 动力 answers 'how' they sustain their action.

Example Sentences

His motive is very pure; he just wants to help others.

The police are investigating the motive behind the crime.

Lack of motivation can cause people to lose the drive to work hard.