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How to Say "motive" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “motive” is “motivo” — use this word when referring to the general reason, cause, or justification behind an action or event..

English → Spanish

motivo

moh-TEE-voh/moˈtiβo/

nounA1General
Use this word when referring to the general reason, cause, or justification behind an action or event.
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.

razón

nounA2General
Use this word to express the purpose or justification for doing something, often interchangeable with 'motivo' but can emphasize the logical basis.

Examples

¿Cuál es la razón de tu visita?

What is the reason for your visit?

intención

nounA2General
Choose this word when you want to talk about a person's aim, purpose, or psychological drive behind their actions.

Examples

Mi intención es viajar por Sudamérica el próximo año.

My intention is to travel through South America next year.

móvil

nounC1Formal/Legal
This term is specifically used for the motive behind a crime or a serious transgression, often implying a hidden or driving force.

Examples

La policía aún no ha determinado el móvil del robo.

The police have not yet determined the motive for the robbery.

agenda

ah-HEN-dah/aˈxenda/

nounC1Formal/Political
Use this word to describe a hidden plan or underlying purpose, often in a political or strategic context.
A simple, winding path drawn in pencil on paper, starting at one end and clearly leading towards a large, brightly colored star symbol at the other end, representing a goal.

Examples

La oposición criticó la agenda económica del gobierno.

The opposition criticized the government's economic policy platform (or agenda).

Muchos sospechan que la empresa tiene una agenda oculta.

Many suspect that the company has a hidden agenda.

Motivo vs. Razón vs. Intención

Learners often confuse 'motivo' and 'razón' as they are frequently interchangeable for the general reason behind something. Remember that 'intención' focuses more on a person's personal aim or psychological drive.

Related Translations

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