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How to Say "grounds" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “grounds” is “razones” — use 'razones' when referring to the underlying justifications or logical bases for an action, belief, or decision, especially in arguments or personal choices..

English → Spanish

razones

rah-SOH-nays/raˈθo.nes/

nounA1general
Use 'razones' when referring to the underlying justifications or logical bases for an action, belief, or decision, especially in arguments or personal choices.
A simple illustration showing a large blue sphere balanced stably atop three smaller, brightly colored rectangular blocks, symbolizing justifications supporting a conclusion.

Examples

¿Cuáles son tus razones para cambiar de trabajo?

What are your reasons for changing jobs?

Por razones de seguridad, la carretera está cerrada.

For safety reasons, the road is closed.

Ella me explicó sus razones, pero sigo sin entender.

She explained her reasons to me, but I still don't understand.

Feminine Plural

Remember that 'razones' is always used with feminine articles and adjectives because its singular form, 'la razón,' is feminine (even though it ends in 'n').

Why vs. Reason

While 'por qué' means 'why,' 'las razones' refers to the actual explanation or justification. You often use 'por' before 'razones': 'por razones de salud' (for health reasons).

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Hice esto para razones personales.”

Correction: Hice esto por razones personales. (Use 'por' to mean 'on account of' or 'due to.')

motivo

moh-TEE-voh/moˈtiβo/

nounA1formal
Use 'motivo' when referring to the specific cause, purpose, or formal justification for an event, action, or situation.
A large, stylized question mark is brightly illuminated by a strong, focused beam of light coming from above, symbolizing the discovery of an explanation or reason.

Examples

¿Cuál fue el motivo de la reunión?

What was the reason for the meeting?

No tengo ningún motivo para mentirte.

I have no motive/reason to lie to you.

Por motivos personales, no puedo asistir.

For personal reasons, I cannot attend.

Using 'Motivo'

To express 'for this reason' or 'because of', you often use 'por motivo de' or 'a causa de' rather than just 'por' followed by the noun.

Mixing up 'motivo' and 'razón'

Mistake: “They are mostly interchangeable, but 'motivo' often emphasizes the internal drive or circumstance, while 'razón' can also mean logic or sanity.”

Correction: You can usually use either, but 'motivo' fits slightly better when talking about the cause of an event or the drive behind an action.

Motivo vs. Razones

Learners often confuse 'motivo' and 'razones' because both relate to reasons. Remember that 'razones' are the logical bases for a decision or argument, while 'motivo' is more about the direct cause or purpose of an event.

Related Translations

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