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motivos

moh-TEE-bohs

NounmA2

reasons?explanations for actions or events,grounds?justification or basis for a complaint/action

Also:causes?the things that lead to an outcome,motives?the inner drive behind an action

📝 In Action

Tengo muchos motivos para estar feliz hoy.

I have many reasons to be happy today.

¿Cuáles fueron los motivos de su renuncia?

What were the reasons for his resignation?

No hay motivos para preocuparse; todo está bajo control.

There are no grounds for worry; everything is under control.

Word Connections

Synonyms

razones (reasons)
causas (causes)

Common Collocations

por motivos personales – for personal reasons
tener motivos – to have reasons/grounds
motivos de peso – strong/serious reasons

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural

Since 'motivos' is the plural form of the noun 'motivo,' remember that any adjectives describing it must also be plural and masculine (e.g., 'buenos motivos').

Using 'for'

When you want to say 'for reasons' or 'because of reasons,' you usually use the preposition 'por' in Spanish: 'por motivos de seguridad' (for security reasons).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Motivo' and 'Motivos'

Mistake: "Using 'motivos' when you mean a single reason: 'Solo tengo un motivos.'"

Correction: Use the singular 'motivo': 'Solo tengo un motivo.' (I only have one reason.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Tone

While common, 'motivos' can sound slightly more formal or official than 'razones' when referring to official explanations or legal grounds.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: motivos

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase correctly uses 'motivos'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

motivo(reason, motive (singular)) - noun

motivar(to motivate, to cause) - verb

motivación(motivation) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'motivos' and 'razones'?

Both mean 'reasons' and are often interchangeable. However, 'motivos' tends to emphasize the underlying cause, impulse, or driving force (the 'why'), while 'razones' often refers to the logical justification or explanation (the 'what').

Can 'motivos' refer to a design or pattern?

Yes, just like the French cognate 'motif,' 'motivo' (singular) can mean a theme, pattern, or design in art, music, or literature. 'Motivos' (plural) would be used for multiple patterns or themes.