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March 24, 2026
动机(動機)dòngjī(dong4ji1)
动机 (dòngjī) refers to the underlying reasons or motivations behind a person's actions or decisions. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to discuss what drives individuals to pursue specific goals or behaviors.
Frequency#2376DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding one's 动机 is essential in social interactions and business negotiations, as it helps to navigate relationships and expectations effectively.
Memory Tip
Think of 动 (dòng) as 'moving' and 机 (jī) as 'machine.' Imagine a machine that moves forward because of a hidden engine—your 'motive' or '动机'—that pushes it to achieve its goals.
Meanings of 动机
dòngjī(dong4ji1)
1motor
2locomotive
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About 动机
动机Simplified
動機Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2376Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 动机
Podcast: 动机
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AI Study Notes for 动机
Quick Contrast
动机 (motivation) vs 理由 (reason) — use 动机 when emphasizing the driving force behind actions, while 理由 focuses on the justification or explanation for something.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 动 (dòng) as 'moving' and 机 (jī) as 'machine.' Imagine a machine that moves forward because of a hidden engine—your 'motive' or '动机'—that pushes it to achieve its goals.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 动机 with 目的 (mùdì), which means 'purpose.' While 动机 refers to the motivation behind actions, 目的 is the goal itself. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 动机 connects well with terms like 目标 (mùbiāo, 'goal') and 意图 (yìtú, 'intention'). Focus on using 动机 in sentences that explore motivations and reasons behind actions to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, understanding one's 动机 is essential in social interactions and business negotiations, as it helps to navigate relationships and expectations effectively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 动机 with 目的 (mùdì). For example, saying '我的动机是完成这个' (wǒ de dòngjī shì wánchéng zhège) is incorrect when meaning 'my purpose is to complete this.' It should be '我的目的...' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 动机
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Grammar Patterns of 动机
动机 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese culture, understanding one's 动机 is essential in social interactions and business negotiations, as it helps to navigate relationships and expectations effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions about 动机
No, 动机 can be used to describe both positive and negative motivations.
No, 动机 specifically refers to motivations or reasons for actions, not feelings.
动机 is about the reasons behind actions, while 动力 refers to the driving force or energy that propels someone forward.
