Inklingo

How to Say "motives" in Spanish

English → Spanish

motivos

moh-TEE-bohs/moˈtiβos/

NounA2General
Use 'motivos' when referring to the inner drive or the specific reasons that cause someone to do something.
A simple illustration showing a red square block perfectly balanced on top of three distinct, simple blue cylindrical pillars, emphasizing support.

Examples

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.

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).

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.)

intenciones

/in-ten-SYOH-nes//intenˈsjo.nes/

NounB2General
Use 'intenciones' to talk about underlying reasons for an action, especially when these might be hidden or relate to one's purpose or goals.
A friendly cartoon fox offering a basket of apples with one hand, while subtly hiding a shiny gold coin behind its fluffy tail with the other, illustrating a hidden motive.

Examples

El camino al infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Sus intenciones ocultas eran obtener el control de la empresa.

His hidden motives were to gain control of the company.

The Meaning of 'Buenas Intenciones'

In Spanish, saying someone has 'buenas intenciones' often implies that the results of their actions might still be negative, similar to the English proverb about the road to hell.

Motivos vs. Intenciones

Learners often confuse 'motivos' and 'intenciones.' Remember that 'motivos' are the direct reasons or drives for an action, while 'intenciones' are the deeper, often unstated, purposes or aims behind it.

Related Translations

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