Inklingo

motivación

mo-tee-bah-SYOHNmotiβaˈsjon

motivación means motivation in Spanish (the reason or desire to do something).

motivation

Also: incentive, drive
NounfA2
General
A hiker looking up at a bright yellow star at the top of a green mountain peak.

📝 In Action

Mi principal motivación para estudiar es viajar a México.

A2

My main motivation for studying is traveling to Mexico.

El equipo perdió la motivación después de perder el partido.

B1

The team lost their motivation after losing the game.

La empresa ofrece bonos como motivación para los empleados.

B2

The company offers bonuses as an incentive for the employees.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • desmotivación (lack of motivation)
  • apatía (apathy)

Common Collocations

  • perder la motivaciónto lose motivation
  • falta de motivaciónlack of motivation
  • motivación intrínsecainternal motivation

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar a tope de motivaciónto be highly motivated or pumped up

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "motivación" in Spanish:

motivation

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: motivación

Question 1 of 3

Which article should you use with 'motivación'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
canciónacciónpasión
📚 Etymology

From the Latin word 'motivus,' which means 'moving' or 'causing motion.' It is related to the verb 'movere' (to move).

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: motivationItalian: motivazioneEnglish: motivation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'motivación' the same as 'ganas'?

Not exactly. 'Motivación' is the underlying reason or drive to do something long-term. 'Ganas' is more about the immediate feeling of 'wanting' or 'feeling like' doing something right now.

How do I say 'self-motivation' in Spanish?

You can say 'automotivación.' It follows the same rules and is also a feminine noun.

Why do some people say 'estímulo' instead?

'Estímulo' refers specifically to an external trigger or spark that creates motivation, while 'motivación' is the general state or reason.